The United Brethren's missionary intelligencer, and religious miscellany

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UNITED BRETHREN’S

MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCER*

AND

Mellgiotts JMissctUang ;

CONTAINING THE MOST RECENT ACCOUNTS RELATING TO THE UNITED BRETHREN'S
MISSIONS AMONG THE HEATHEN; WITH OTHER INTERESTING COM-
MUNICATIONS FROM THE RECORDS OF THAT CHURCH.

No. 8.] FOURTH QUARTER, 1841. [Vol. VII.

[From the “Periodical Accounts,” &c.]

I. SOUTH AFRICA.

DEATH OF BROTHER H. P. HALLBECK.

It has pleased the Lord, to make a great breach in the ranks
of His servants in South Africa, by the translation into eternal
rest, of the gifted, faithful, and indefatigable Superintendent of
the Brethren’s Mission in that extensive and important field. On
the 25th of November last, after a short but painful illness, our
dear Br. Hallbeck was removed from the scene of his pleasant
and successful labors, to the unspeakable grief of his family, his
fellow-servants, and the Hottentot congregation at Genadendal.
The stroke is as severe as it was unexpected, and calls for the
exercise of a large measure of faith in God, and of resignation to
His holy will. The loss which the Brethren’s Church and Mis-
sions have sustained, by the departure of this honored overseer
in the house of the Lord, is, indeed, to all human appearance,
irreparable, especially at the present juncture. All who had the
privilege of knowing our departed Brother, either personally or
by character, will be ready to acknowledge, that he was a man
of rare endowments, of ardent zeal, and of distinguished useful-
ness. The affection and regard which he conciliated, during the
period of his earlier service in Germany, Ireland, and England,
followed him to the scene of his still important and blessed la-
bors in South Africa, where, for nearly twenty-three years, he
consecrated all his powers of mind and body, to the great cause
in which he had cheerfully embarked. It may, indeed, be ques-
tioned, whether any man, who, in modern times, has engaged as
a Missionary among the heathen, has possessed a larger measure
of the various qualifications required for this service, or been
enabled, by Divine grace, to turn them more effectually to ac-
count. With classical and mathematical knowledge his mind
was well stored ; for literature and poetry he had no mean talent ;
Vol. VII.— 19.

344

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

and with the treasures of history, geography, and general science,,
he was perfectly familiar. But these things, which in a worldly
point of view, might have been gain to him, he was enabled, for
Christ’s sake, to count but loss. From the moment that he de-
voted himself to the arduous but honorable work of a Missionary,
he seemed to value his attainments, only in proportion to the
opportunities afforded him, of employing them for the advance-
ment of that work. And now that his warfare is ended, and his
service on earth is closed, it is impossible to reflect, without feel-
ings of fervent gratitude to the Lord, upon the abundant blessing
wherewith his unwearied labors were crowned. Under his faith-
ful and judicious administration, the Mission in South Africa has
been remarkably prospered and extended. On his arrival at the
Cape, in the year 1817, he found two settlements, with Hottentot
congregations of about 1600 souls attached to them, and a third
ready to be formed, near the eastern border of the colony. He
lived to see the establishment of five additional Stations, including
one among the Tambookies, and among the Fingoos, and to wit-
ness the collection of native flocks, amounting to nearly 4500
souls, to whose spiritual and temporal prosperity, himself and
his brethren were permitted to minister. And for this ministra-
tion, he shewed himself to be eminently qualified. The love of
Christ, shed abroad in his heart by the Holy spirit, was the con-
straining principle, by which he was impelled to devote to the
service of God and his fellow-men, the various talents and ac-
quirements which he possessed, and which indeed were of no
common order. In him, a powerful mind was united with an
affectionate spirit ; a capacity for generalization, with a readiness
to enter into the smallest details ; great ability in direction, with
surprising facility of execution ; originality of thought, with ster-
ling sense, and a decided preference for whatever was practical
and useful. His plans were ordinarily marked by solid judgment,
though his temper was naturally ardent and impetuous ; and in
the transaction of business, he exhibited uncommon regularity,
energy, and despatch. The introduction and maintenance of or T
der was an object very dear to him, and as he practised what he
inculcated, he found the less difficulty in inducing others to ob-
serve it. For the conduct of the temporal affairs of the Mission,
he displayed as much ability, as for the superintendence of its
spiritual concerns. His financial views were sound, and his ac-
quaintance with many of the branches of business, carried on at
Genadendal for the benefit of the Mission, minute as well as ac-
curate. He shewed himself, in fact, as able as he was willing, to
put his hand to anything, which was required to be done, for the
advancement of the work which was so near his heart, or the good
of the people to whom he was so strongly attached, and by whom
he was beloved and esteemed as a father and a friend. In the draw-
ing up of an extensive and complicated financial statement, or in
the establishment of a new branch of business, — in the erection of
houses, or in the planting of groves, — in the laying out of gardens

FROM SOUTH AFRICA.

345

•or fields, or in providing means for their irrigation, — our late
Brother seemed equally at home. No Hottentot or enfranchised
slave found him otherwise than ready, at all times, to give him
counsel in temporal, as well as instruction in spiritual things.
His love for children, and his deep interest in the work of educa-
tion, are sufficiently attested by the extension and prosperity of
the schools at Genadendal, and especially by the establishment
of the institution for native assistants, and the infant school, of
which for a considerable time he undertook the chief manage-
ment. To the gifts and grace he displayed, as a spiritual over-
seer, the progress of the Mission in general, and of the numerous
flock committed to his more immediate pastoral care, bear a tes-
timony, alike cheering and indisputable, — a testimony, the force
of which will be deeply felt, by all who have been in the habit of
perusing his lively and interesting correspondence, in the pages
of this journal. Though by no means an eloquent preacher, his
discourses were scriptural and experimental, delivered with great
warmth of heart, and accompanied with the demonstration of the
Spirit and of power. Of the importance which he attached to
the close personal intercourse with individuals, which is a lead-
ing feature of the Brethren’s Missionary system, the very last
letter, addressed to the Secretary of the Society, affords a striking
evidence.

In fine, our late dear Brother was a man, of whom it may be
declared with truth, ihat he was not unworthy to be invested
with the office, and to perform the functions of the first Christian
Bishop in Southern Africa. But the Master whom he served,
even the Chief Shepherd and Bishop of souls, has been pleased
to release him unexpectedly from the charge of His earthly flock,
and to make him a partaker of the privileges of His heavenly
fold. While, therefore, we sorrow over the loss which has been
sustained by the militant church, we desire to bow with submis-
sion beneath the sovereign and mighty hand of Him, who, while
He sees fit to remove instruments, which we are apt to deem
essential to the prosecution of the work He has assigned to them,
is able also to qualify others less gifted to be the means of accom-
plishing His gracious purposes.

Meanwhile, may the farewell blessing of our departed Brother
rest upon the Mission, to whose service so large a portion of his
active life was devoted ; and may his solemn dying charge make
the desired impression upon the hearts of all his fellow-servants,
throughout the Brethren’s Unity, and especially of those, to
whom it was more immediately addressed ! May they be enabled,
to keep the word of Jesus’ patience — to feed and tend with faith-
fulness the flocks to whom they are called to minister, — and to
maintain unbroken and unimpaired the bond of brotherly love ;
that so, “ when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, they may re-
ceive the crown of glory, that fadeth not away.”

346

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

EXTRACT OF THE DIARY OF GENADENDAL, FOR THE YEAR 1839.

February 10 tk. After the public service was the funeral of the
communicant Sister, Elizabeth Tantje, who was universally re-
spected as an experienced follower of Jesus. Heavy trials had
been her lot, in the worldly-minded conduct of her son, who is
excluded from the congregation, and the domestic unhappiness
of her daughter, who is unsuitably married. “ The circum-
stances of my children,” she remarked, make my departure pain-
ful. Were but my son truly converted, that I might cherish the
hope of seeing him in heaven !”

On the 27th, the Brn. Brauer, Franke, and Schopman, attend-
ed, by invitation, the funeral of the late Mrs. Badenhorst, one of
our nearest neighbors. She was a sincere child of God, and was
called to pass through much tribulation into His heavenly king-
dom. Sickness had confined her, for many years, to her room,
if not to her bed ; but she honored her Saviour, in this affliction,
by a meek and patient spirit. A prayer, and a short discourse
on the words of St. Paul— “ I reckon that the sufferings of this
present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that
shall be revealed in us,” were listened to with deep attention and
evident emotion by the numerous company of mourners.

March 1 6th, was the funeral of the aged Brother, Moses Beukes,
who had been a communicant since the year 1816. Two years
ago, he was deprived of his speech by an apoplectic stroke.
Since then he often called upon us, and it was affecting to see his
eagerness to express his feelings by signs, and the joy he mani-
fested, when his attempts to make himself understood proved
successful.

On the 22d, and following days, Br. and Sr. Schopman spoke
with all the classes of the congregation, excepting the communi-
cants ; and never since the establishment of Genadendal was a
genera] speaking so numerously attended. Still more encour-
aging, however, than the number, was the spirit of the people.
The emancipated slaves seem animated by an uncommon desire
after spiritual blessings ; there is a fire in their hearts, which has
not been kindled by man, but by the Spirit of God. Freedom
appears, by the Divine blessing, to have awoke within their
minds the feeling, that they are beings who belong not to time
only, but to eternity. “The chains,” said one of them, “were
on my limbs from infancy ; I could not come to the House of
God, but was obliged to live like a brute. Now God has broken
my chains, and I am here ; but my heart is quite a blank; I am
old, and can understand but little. My God ! let but some drops
of heavenly dew fall upon my barren soul.’*

April . Immediately after the Easter festival, the measles, which
had made their appearance in Cape-Town in February, became rife
in our place ; and, by the end of the first week, considerably more
than half of the inhabitants, young and old alike, were attacked by

FROM SOUTH AFRICA.

347

the epidemic. It was great cause for thankfulness to the Lord, that
it assumed so mild a character.

In the second week, there was not a house which did not contain
from two to a dozen sick. Those, however, who had been first
seized, were, many of them, sufficiently recovered to wait upon the
rest. The schools had, necessarily, to be suspended for a short
time.

On the 20th, was the interment of Theodore Nill,the first who fell
a victim to the prevailing malady. He had been but recently bap-
tized, on which solemn occasion, he appeared to give himself up to
the Lord, not in words only, but with his whole heart.

Before the end of the- month, fourteen children were also called
into eternity.

May 5th, Br. Hallbeck preached at Matjes-gat, two leagues dis-
tant, by the desire of Mr. Greenwald, the proprietor, who has been
united with us in spirit for many years. Most of the colonists in the
immediate neighborhood were present with their work-people, and
we hope to see it become a regular preaching. station.

At a love-feast, with our school-children, on Whit-Monday , we
brought our tribute of thanksgiving to the Lord, for His mercy, on
the cessation of the measles in our place. Between 1200 and 1300
persons have had them since Easter, few of the inhabitants having
escaped. We recognized it as a gracious providence, that the dis-
order was permitted to come on before the wet and cold winter
months. Had it been delayed till June and July, its effects, both at
the time and subsequently, would, in all probability, have been in-
comparably more distressing.

June 7th. Old Luke Stompje departed this life. Being too infirm
to work, and having no relations to take care of him, he was wretch-
edly poor. His extreme deafness rendered it impossible to hold any
conversation with him ; it was plain, however, from his expressions,
that he was not without a feeling of the Saviour’s love to sinners ;
and the lively gratitude which he expressed for any temporal assist-
ance that was rendered him, leads us to hope, that he was not un-
thankful for the greatest of all benefits — the redemption of his soul.

On the same day was the funeral of Wilhelmina Coert, who had
also been a communicant for many years. Latterly, she had ab-
sented herself for a long period from the House of God. This may,
occasionally, have been owing to the infirmities of age ; but the main
reason, we fear, was a want of hunger and thirst for the Word of
Life, and her heart seemed, in consequence, to be very dark and
desolate.

On the 10th, the communicant Brother, Isaac Uis, departed. He
was baptized in the year 1834, and was one of the most valuable
members of our congregation. By diligence and frugality in early
life, he had laid by a small capital, which enabled him to purchase
the freedom of his wife and children, and made him comfortable in
his declining years. His words and actions shewed, that he had not
only a clear apprehension of Divine truth, but a sincere love to God
his Saviour. Our intercourse with him was very pleasant to us ;

348

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

and, in his illness, it was delightful to sit by his bed, and listen to the
humble and cheerful effusions of his faith and hope. Nor did the
order and cleanliness which reigned in his dwelling, fail to enhance
the pleasure of our visits.

July 4th. We spoke individually with our communicants, in refer-
ence to the approaching enjoyment of the Lord’s Supper. One
Brother told us, what blessings he had found in the daily perusal of
his Bible, before going to his work in the morning. “ What I have
read,” said he, “ generally abides with me through the day ; it is
like food that never loses its relish.”

On the 1(M, was the departure of the aged Brother, Johannes
Rochert, who had been a communicant since 1809. He was one of
the first Hottentots who belonged to the renewed Mission, and con-
tinued to his end a faithful member of the congregation. The sin-
gular cheerfulness of his spirit at his advanced age, flowed from his
assurance of faith in the Saviour, of whose love and faithfulness to-
wards him he often spoke with deep emotion. His outward wants
were dutifully provided for by his children.

On the 25th, departed the communicant Brother, Blaauw, who had
faithfully discharged the duties of an overseer. He was one of the
wealthiest inhabitants of Genadendal, his property consisting chiefly
in cattle, particularly horses. These were his favorites, and his
heart cleaved to them, perhaps more than was good for him, as he
would himself frequently complain. When, therefore, one after an-
other of his fine animals were carried off by the epidemic, till not
one remained, we were astonished to find him manifest the greatest
resignation ; not a murmur escaping his lips. “ It is well,” he said,
" that my horses are gone. Now I can enjoy my Saviour’s fellow-
ship more uninterruptedly, and look forward more calmly to the hour,
when it shall please Him to take me to Himself.”

August 25th. A proposal was made to us by Mr. Kelter, the pro-
prietor of one of the largest and finest farms in this district, to com-
mence Divine service every fortnight at Matjesdrift, about three
leagues from hence. On the 8th, Br. Hallbeck preached there for
the first time.

17^. Two corpses were interred. Old David Vyf had long been
a communicant. In the course of his last illness, we found him one
day weeping bitterly. He complained that he could find no comfort,
and when told, that he should look in faith to the Redeemer’s merits,
he replied — “I cannot pray, nor take hold of my Saviour.” He
thought that, having often forgotten the Lord in former days, he
could not now expect to be favored with His presence. We ex-
horted him, to seek the Lord with earnestness and perseverance, and
He would have mercy on him, and grant him the comfort which He
died to procure for us. The other, the single Brother, Abraham
Engel, was also an old man, and being of tall stature, his snow-white
locks were very conspicuous amongst his brethren on festival occa-
sions, while, in word and walk, he conducted himself as a child of
God. Hence we were wont to call him the crown of this division
of the flock.

PSOM SOUTH AFRICA.

349

October 5th. Br. Schopman went to Kopjes-kasteel, and conversed
individually with about twenty members of our congregation there.
The meetings were also numerously attended.

On the 2>6th and 31^, was the annual examination of our two
schools. About eighty boys and ninety girls were present, — a
smaller number than usual, owing to its being held a month later.
After Br. Hallbeck had opened the proceedings in a short discourse,
the children read a chapter from the New Testament in English,
which they then translated into Dutch. English translating followed,
and next Geography, the boys being questioned on Palestine, and
the girls on Africa. Bible history concluded. Between the differ-
ent exercises, English and Dutch verses were repeated by the boys,
and sung by the girls. After a distribution of some English Tracts,
the business of the day was closed with a fervent prayer.

November 6th. Towards ten o’clock in the evening, our venerable
Sr. Kohrhammer gently fell asleep in Jesus, in her 83d year. The
event was made known to the congregation next morning, and ex-
cited universal sympathy. Her funeral, which took place the same
day in the afternoon, was attended by the whole congregation in
their Sunday attire, and likewise by many friends from the neigh-
borhood.*

25 tli. The communicant Sister, Johanna Magdalena Fredericks,
departed this life. As long as she was able, she discharged the du-
ties of chapel-servant and school-teacher with exemplary faithfulness.
In the latter office, she was particularly useful, and her judicious and
affectionate admonitions were much blessed to the children. She
had, indeed, a happy talent for speaking a word in season, which she
improved to the advantage of her friends, both old and young. Her
faith and patience were severely tried by the frightful Lazarus, sick-
ness, from which she had to suffer many years. What grieved her
most was, that she could scarcely ever attend at church during this
illness. “ Oh !” she said, “ the Word is to my heart what the rain
is to the ground ; I am dried up like the desert. Would but my
Saviour help me so far, that I could again repair to His house !’ ’
For the rest, she shewed great patience in her suffering state, and
appeared to spend her days in peaceful communion with her Lord.

In the course of the year, 430 persons received permission to live
in our place, 167 departed this life, 63 were born, and 142 baptized.

The congregation* consisted, at the close of 1839, of 666 commu-
nicants, 124 candidates for the Lord’s Supper, 134 baptized adults,
379 baptized children, 212 candidates for baptism, 484 new people,
14 excluded — Total 2013, being 294 more than last year.

H. P. Hallbeck, J. F. Stein,

H. B. Schopman, I. A. De Fries,

C. G. SoNDERMAN, P. H. BrAUER,

C. G. Kuster.

* See Memoir — below.

350

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

EXTRACT FROM THE DIARY OF CLARKSON, ON THE ZITZIKAMMA,
FROM JULY TO DECEMBER, 1839.

July 12th. Br. Kuster, having been united in marriage to Sr. Wil-
helmina Lesser, at Enon, arrived here in safety with his wife, after
a somewhat adventurous journey.

On the 19th, the Fingoos, Hottentots, and Free Negroes received
their respective allotments of garden-ground, which we had measur-
ed out for them the day before. All were greatly pleased with their
portions, excepting the Fingoos, who would rather, according to
their custom, clear plots on the edge of the wood, by burning down
the trees, than cultivate the land on the open plain.

About this time, the measles made their appearance amongst us,
and many of the inhabitants of our little settlement were attacked by
them. The Fingoos also were sufferers from this complaint, hith-
erto quite unknown to them, so that the attendance at church was
very slender.

23rd. On this and the following day, we were employed in dig-
ging a trench round our house, in order to carry off the water, as
we had been much incommoded by the damp.

28th. Nearly 150 Fingoos were present at the public service,
which, owing to the weather, was held in the small Hottentot house.

August bth. We were surprised to see an unusual concourse of
Fingoos from the neighborhood. In the afternoon, a deputation
came to us, stating, that their object was to prevail on us to grant
them gardens on the side of our wood. We observed to them, that
there was no occasion for such a concourse of Fingoos not belong-
ing to the settlement ; and, having made our people promise not to
injure the trees, we acceded to their request for another year, that
they might have more time for preparing their allotments against the
season following. On this they expressed great satisfaction, and
Mangaba, the captain, begged, that if we noticed anything wrong in
their conduct, we would direct their attention to it. “We are,’*
said he, “ like a flock of sheep wandering at large without a shep-
herd, not knowing whether we are doing mischief or not. You
must, therefore, guide and direct us.” This, we assured him, we
were quite ready to do, having come amongst them on purpose to
turn them from their errors into the right way.

Though we had wished to partake of the Lord’s Supper on the
12th , in fellowship of spirit with all the congregations of our church,
we were obliged, by the indisposition of several of our number, to
defer it to Sunday the 18th, when, after a long interval, we once
more approached the table of the Lord, and were refreshed and
strengthened by the enjoyment of His body and blood.

At the general speaking with our people, we were encouraged
by evident proofs that the Spirit of God was actively engaged in
the hearts of many. A Fingoo said — “ I find a great difference
between this place and Caffraria. There men live in constant
strife and hostility ; but here, where the Word of God is pro-

FROM SOUTH AFRICA.

351

claimed, they live in peace and harmony.” Another said — “I
should like to obtain the bliss of Heaven, but I do not know how;
In order to be rich, I have long followed my captain, and a con-
siderable time elapsed before I gained my desire. So, I suppose,
it will be with heavenly happiness ; I cannot obtain it at once ; I
must persevere and not flag; that, at last, I may win the trea-
sures of Heaven.” A Fingoo woman said — “ I would gladly buy
God, if He was to be bought with money ;” on which she was
told, that, though money would not buy Him, yet all men might
become possessed of Christ as their Redeemer and their portion*
by faith in Him.

Towards the close of the month, Br. Nauhaus had a large plot
of ground ploughed up for maize and vegetables, and fenced
round with paling from the cattle. In this, as in other labors,
we were often interrupted by heavy rain.

September 3rd. Having purchased a number of spades at Port
Elizabeth, for which his Excellency the Governor-General had
supplied the means, we assembled our Fingoos, and presented
ten heads of families with these valuable implements* of which
they promised to make good use.

11 th. The rain fell in torrents, flooding our kitchen and the
oven, in which a large batch of bread was baking. Happily it
was rescued, with some exertion, before it was completely spoilt.
It was several days before the pouring rain abated.

22nd. Br. Hallbeck arrived here on a visit, sooner than we had
ventured to expect him, in the unfavorable state of the weather,
and took leave of us October 12th.

October 1 6th. We measured and marked off the ground for a
school-house, 60 feet by 24.

19 th. The cattle having frequently done mischief in the yet
uninclosed gardens, we called a meeting of our Hottentots and
Negroes, and represented to them the necessity of erecting a du-
rable kraal, or cattle-fold, where they might be penned up at
night, and of keeping a constant watch over them by day. They
promised that it should be done, and on the 23rd the kraal was
finished. It stands on the hill behind their gardens.

About this time also, the Fingoos were busy in ploughing up
the gardens newly allotted to them. Mangaba, their captain, was
the first to sow his ground.

November 3rd. Owing to the heavy rain, none of the more
distant Fingoos could attend Divine service. We were the better
pleased to see about fifteen of the elder girls* who in spite of the
weather, had come three miles and more to the meetings.

1 8th. Br. Nauhaus, with nine men to assist, commenced cutting
the water-course from the neighboring brook to our place, the
trench being begun just below the junction of the two streams.

On the 20th, Br. and Sr. Lemmertz arrived from Genadendal*
on their way to Enon, bringing with them a horse, which Br. Hall-
beck had left for us, on his journey home, at one of the farms
Yol. VII — 20.

352

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

on the road. It will greatly facilitate our visiis to the remoter
Fingoo kraals.

22nd. Finding it necessary to keep two teams of oxen, in order
that they may by turns, have a change of sweeter pasturage at
Enon, Br. Nauhaus purchased twelve fresh oxen of Mr. Hyman.,
and our old ones took Br. and Sr. Lemmertz forwards to Enon
on the 24th.

In the course of the month, most of the Fingoos had planted their
new gardens ; and we were glad to find, that they had got the better
pf their superstitious scruples as to the use of manure. In common
with other CafFres, they had entertained the notion, that, if they ma-
nured the ground with the dung of their cattle, the latter would die.

The weather, during the whole month, was hot and dry, which
deserves notice as something extraordinary with us.

On December Qth, was the interment of an old free negro, w 7 ho had
shortly before been admitted as a candidate for baptism. One rainy
night, the roof of his miserable hovel, which had formerly served as
a goat-house, fell in upon him ; and though he was not materially
hurt, the cold and w r et probably hastened his end, as he had been ail-
ing for some time.

After the preaching on the 22nd, we announced to the Fingoos,
that our Saviour’s Nativity would be celebrated on the Wednesday
following, when they promised to attend. Through a mistake in
their reckoning, they came on the 24th instead; this did not, how-
ever, prevent them from returning next day, when we discoursed to
them on that great mystery of godliness — God manifest in the flesh.
Oh that they may all learn to worship aright that wondrous Child,
who is the source of all our happiness !

We were truly thankful, to be able to make use of our new kitchen
after Christmas, the old one having been poorly protected against the
violent rains and storms, which are so frequent in the Zitzikamma.

On the 31st, w r e concluded our Mission-conferences for the year,
at the feet of our faithful Lord, under a deep sense of the numerous
defects and blemishes which had marked our services. Thankful
for all the help and mercy which He had shewn us, in the ten
months that had elapsed since the commencement of this new station ;
and confidently trusting, that He would continue to be our support
and counsellor in all perplexities, we entered upon another year,
commending ourselves and His cause anew to His heart of love.

The congregation at Clarkson consisted, at the close of 1839, of
10 baptized adults, 8 of whom are communicants, 13 baptized chil-
dren, 5 candidates for baptism, 88 new people — Total, 116 souls.

C. F. Nauhaus, C. A. Raster.

EXTRACT OF LETTERS FROM BR. H. P. HALLBECK.

“ Genadendal, September 10*A, 1840.

“ Dear Brother, — My last letter stated, that Br. Theod.
Raster had been called to Shiloh. He left us accordingly on the
6th of August, with a view to be at hand, when a ship should be

FROM SOUTH AFRICA.

353

ready to sail from Cape-town to Algoa Bay. During his stay of
several weeks at Groenekloof, he gave his assistance in the
schools, and his services were the more acceptable, as Br. Franke
had, for some time, been confined to his room and bed, by a
rheumatic complaint. Meanwhile, Br. and Sr. Gysin have en-
tered on their duties in our seminary here ; and I have no doubt,
it is their earnest desire, to serve our Saviour and His cause with
faithfulness. Previous to the departure of Br. Kuster, we had
an interesting examination, which proved, that the pupils had
made good use of their time, and, I believe, stimulated them to
renewed exertions. The eldest of the boys, now in his seven-
teenth year, whose conduct has always been as steady as his pro-
ficiency is creditable, will, probably, be soon employed as regu-
lar teacher in our infant-school, and assistant in the boys’ school,
in order that Ezek. Pfeiffer may be able to lend us more of his
valuable assistance among the more advanced children, both boys
and girls. In a few days, we are going to have the usual Sep-
tember examinations with the various schools ; but before that
time, I must pay a short visit to our interesting out-station, Kop-
jes-kasteel. On the 19th ult., I was there, assisting at the cere-
mony of laying the foundation-stone of the new chapel, which
will be 50 feet by 19 feet inside ; and the work is now so far ad-
vanced, that we hope to put in the beams next week. It is a
pleasure to see, with what cheerfulness and alacrity the people,
both of this place and of Kopjes-kasteel, engage in a work, which
they feel to be of the utmost importance, both to themselves and
to their posterity. Nor do their white neighbors feel less inter-
ested in the undertaking, many of whom came, with all their peo-
ple, to join in supplications with us at the commencement of the
work, though it happened to be in the middle of the week, and
they thus lost a whole day’s labor in their fields or in their gar-
dens. Meanwhile, the Missionary work is here prosecuted in
the usual manner, and not without the blessing of our Saviour;
and we have reason to hope, that it is not only extending in its
dimensions, but also increasing in strength and solidity. It is,
indeed, encouraging, to see the great eagerness and earnestness,
with which the people avail themselves of the means of grace,
and to observe how the minds of those who were but lately igno-
rant and uncohcerned, are gradually opened for the benign influ-
ence of the Gospel. You are aware, that the 7th of September
has more than once been a day of signal blessing to our whole
congregation ; and I have every reason to believe, that this was
again the case on Monday last. More people than ever before
were present on that solemn occasion ; no fewer than 250 mar-
ried couples, besides 70 to 80 individuals, whose husbands or
wives were unavoidably absent, attended the previous speaking
and the festal meetings, and afforded us much edification, by the
simplicity of their faith, and the fervency of their love. Seven-
teen men and four women, all married persons, received holy
baptism, making the number of adults, baptized here since the

354

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

new year, 104; and an equal number were admitted as candi-
dates for baptism. It was, indeed, highly interesting, during this
solemn transaction, to witness the intense devotion of the happy
catechumens, the lively expressions of joy in the countenances
of sympathizing friends and relations, the tear of grief and dis-
appointment on the sable cheeks of those, who were longing for
the same favor, but have still to possess their souls in patience,
and the fixud attention of the crowded auditory to every part of
the solemn service. May the impression, evidently made on
many present, prove abiding, and lead to a real change of heart !
Though we must, of course, expect, from time to time, to dis-
cover tares among the wheat, and our increased numbers do re-
quire double attention to the conduct of individuals : yet we cer-
tainly live in a peculiarly blessed harvest season, and may well
count ourselves highly favored, to behold this remarkable display
of Divine goodness to those who were formerly, in a manner,
excluded from the kingdom of God (viz. the manumitted slaves.)
Ignorant and unlettered as many of them are, their simple reli-
ance on the Saviour, and their anxiety to advance in His know-
ledge and grace, may well put many of us, who are and have been
more favored, to the blush, and remind us of the Saviour’s words
— ‘ Many that are first shall be last, and the last first.’ Br. Bo-
natz will, probably, give you an account of affairs at Shiloh in
the inclosed letter, and inform you, that he had the favor, in July,
to baptize three females. The men appear to be filled with unbe-
lief ; and form, in this respect, a remarkable contrast to the popu-
lation in these parts. At Enon there was also, in July, a bap-
tism of two adults, and two became partakers of the Holy Com-
munion, for the first time. From Clarkson and Elim, I have
heard nothing particular, since the date of my last letter to you.
Sr. Fritsch, in Hemel-en-Aarde, continues very feeble and in-
firm. Br. and Sr. Schopman, whose youngest son departed this
life in June, have again been called to mourn over the loss of
another dear child — their eldest son, Henry, a weakly child,
having been translated to a better world on the 14th of August,
by means of a typhus fever. They have now only one son left.
The rest of our family are now tolerably well, and our Saviour
has preserved our place and neighborhood from the contagion of
the small-pox, which appears to have ceased in alb the surround-
ing districts. Single cases are, however, still said to occur in
Graham’s Town and Uitenhage. Provisions are gradually re-
turning to their former prices, and are much cheaper than in the
beginning of the year. The people around us suffer no want ;
and, in addition to their usual resources, are now again busy col-
lecting bukku-leaves — a quantity of 30001b. having been ordered
by a Cape-town merchant, at a remunerating price. It is really
interesting to see them, in companies of from twenty to fifty in-
dividuals, descending from the mountains every evening in long
rows, loaded with this useful drug. I have again, during the
months past, taken care to extend our plantations, which become,

FROM SOUTH AFRICA.

355

from year to year, more profitable, and supply a variety of ad-
vantages and conveniences to our establishment, such as fuel for
the kitchen, bark for the tan-yard, and wood for building. Thus,
all the timber wanted for the chapel at Kopjes-kasteel, has been
cut in groves, without thinning them in any perceptible degree.
Some years ago, you kindly procured me a terrestial globe of
eighteen inches diameter, which is made good use of. If it is not
giving you too much trouble, I would beg you to procure for our
Hottentot institution a corresponding celestial globe.”

“ October 22 d, 1840.

“ In the midst of many difficult and embarrassing circumstances,
our Lord administers help and consolation from day to day; and it
is peculiarly encouraging to find, that, notwithstanding our manifold
defects and short-comings, the work of God is steadily on the in-
crease ; as if to shew us, that our great Master is not dependent on
good instruments, but can accomplish His purposes by the most im-
perfect tools — nay, sometimes without human agency, or by the in-
strumentality of his very enemies or opposers.

“ Since the date of my last letter, I have had a very busy season ;
and, among the rest, have been engaged, with my wife, in speaking
with every individual , belonging to the various classes of our numerous
congregation * This duty, though fatiguing both to body and mind,
has again been the means of raising my spirits, by the many evi-
dences of the Lord’s blessing attending our labors, which have come
to my knowledge, and by the great increase of numbers to our con-
gregation, which we have witnessed, and which has had a blessed
and enlivening influence on both young and old. Since the begin-
ning of this month, 45 adults have become candidates for holy bap-
tism ; 30 adults, including 3 from Kopjes-kasteel, have been bap-
tized ; 5 have been received ; 23 become candidates for baptism ;
and 8 are under instruction previous to their partaking of the Holy
Communion. Our congregation now consists of more than 1500
baptized persons, and nearly 700 candidates and new people ; and
it is particularly gratifying and cheering, when looking forwards into
futurity, to observe the right spirit prevailing among the latter, and
their earnest desire, to grow in the love and knowledge of the Lord
Jesus Christ ; whence we cherish the hope, that future years will not
be inferior to the present, in yielding’a plentiful harvest for the king-
dom of Christ. I was glad to hear, a few days ago, from a pious
and zealous minister of the Gospel in Cape-town, that the same earn-
estness in seeking the one thing needful, which is so remarkable in
most Missionary stations in the colony, prevails among the heathen
population of that place. O ! may it continue and increase, until
all have been gained for our Saviour !

* “ Besides the solemn and impressive services, occasioned by the

* The last service of the kind performed by our dear Brother: — his farewell
effort, to put the flock committed to his charge, individually, in remembrance of
the things which belonged to their peace. (2 Peter i. 12 — 14). — Ed.

356

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

above mentioned advances in the privileges of the church, the begin-
ning of this month was signalized by another unusual occurrence, of
a different nature, our place having been honored with a visit from
our respected Governor, General Napier, Lady Napier, their two
sons and suite, on the 8th and 9th inst., on which occasion, we were
again assured of the favour and good-will of his Excellency and his
amiable consort. Our institutions for education were a particular
object of their kind attention, and they appeared to feel deeply in-
terested in this branch of our labors. They devoted half a day to
attendance at the examination of our various schools, which, on this
occasion, counted just as many pupils as there are days in the year,
though a considerable number of the children could not attend, being
engaged in weeding the fields, or in other labours of husbandry and
gardening. Such a collection of children under instruction, in a
country so thinly inhabited, could not but strike them as something
extraordinary ; and I am sure they will not have such a sight through-
out the colony. They appeared, indeed, to be both delighted and
surprised at the proficiency of the more advanced children. They
spoke with much interest of our labor among the Fingoos, and ex-
pressed their intention, if the roads do not oppose very serious ob-
stacles, to visit both Clarkson and Shiloh. If they are able to exe-
cute their plan, they will have been at Clarkson the day before yes-
terday, for they are expected at Uitenhage to-morrow. With the
exception of Br. Sonderman’s deafness, all the Brethren and Sis-
ters are well, and by the mercy of our Saviour, laboring together in
love and harmony. Br. Theo. Kiister, who sailed from Table Bay
on the 3d of September, arrived safe in Algoa Bay on the 8th, and
there met his brother, who took him on a visit to the Zitzikamma,
whence he started for Enon and Shiloh on the 28th.

“ Sr. Nauhaus has been delivered of a son on the 18th, and had
subsequently suffered much from an ulcer in the breast ; but was
better when the last letters left Clarkson. There had been some
difficulties with the Fingoos, in consequence of their attempting to
sell their daughters, and compel them to marry, according to their
former heathenish customs ; but the Government functionaries had
supported the Brethren in checking this evil ; and it is a consola-
tion to know, that many Fingoos are also on the side of the Mission-
aries, and condemn this barbarous custom. Some of Captain Blaatje’s
old counsellors, imagining, not without reason, that he is influenced
by the Missionaries, endeavored to persuade him to remove to a dis-
tance, that he might be able to act in a more independent manner ;
but his wife, Nofatje, a candidate for baptism, absolutely refused to
leave the Missionaries and the Word of God, and thus frustrated the
scheme of the old fellows, and Blaatje was afterwards glad that he
had yielded to the entreaties of his beloved Nofatje.

From Exo%and Shiloh, I have had no advice since my la$t
letter to you. Our chapel in Kopjes-kasteel is half thatched, and as
soon as thatching materials can be collected, it will be completed,
probably before the approaching harvest. Br. and Sr. Fritsch have
gone to Stellenbosch, to obtain medical advice from an experienced

FROM SOUTH AFRICA.

357

physician, and Br. Luttring is meanwhile stationed at the Leper In-
stitution, where three adults were baptized a few weeks ago.

“ From Elim, I have nothing of importance to report, except that
the Missionaries are well, and the congregation in its usual course.
As soon as Br. and Sr. Luttring returned from Hemel-en-Aarde, they
intended to have the usual quarterly speaking.

“ On the 7th of September, Br. Franke held the first baptism since
his ordination, when seven adults were added to the congregation at
Groeneldoof by that holy rite. According to the last letters, all the
Brethren and Sisters at that station were well.

“ Thus far the weather has been favorable. There will be an
abundant harvest of oats, and barley, which has already partially
commenced ; and, if we are preserved from the destroying rust,
which is still uncertain, we may except an equally good crop of
wheat. Provisions are no more so exorbitantly dear as they have
been the last two years ; and if the present prospect of a good har-
vest is realized, a further reduction may be expected. Our gardens
and orchards are also in excellent order, and twice as extensive as a
year or two ago. Strangers and neighbours are not a little aston-
ished, to see thus unexpectedly the vast palmiet (reed) flats around
us turned into smiling gardens, and I was surprised myself, a few
days ago, when I had to wander through the endless labyrinth of new
inclosures, for the sake of suggesting some improvements, for the
irrigation of the whole, which have since been executed.

“H. P. Hallbeck.”

FROM BROTHER H. B. SCH0PMAN.

“ Genadendal , December ls£, 1840.

“ Dear Brother, — You will be distressed, indeed, by the intelli-
gence, which it becomes my painful duty to communicate, — the
translation to eternal rest of our beloved Brother Halbeck, which
took place on the 25th ult., at six o’clock in the evening. This is
a severe blow to the Mission in South Africa, and to all ministering
servants ; and one which has involved us in the deepest mourning
and perplexity, as you may well conceive. But it is from the hand
of our gracious Lord, and we know, that what He doeth must be right.

“ It was on the 13th of November, that our dear Brother first
complained of a pain in one cheek. Though he made little account
of it, he was induced to transfer to another Brother, the holding of
the evening service, and to keep to the house, for the next few days.
On Monday, the 16th, it became evident, that an abscess was forming
within the mouth. We became uneasy, and more than once urged
upon him the propriety of sending for Dr. O’Flinn, of Stellenbosch,
— a skilful and experienced physician, and a friend of our late Brother.
But his reply to all our entreaties was — ‘ It is my old affection of the
throat, which attacks me now for the fifth time ; no doctor under-
stands its nature better than I do myself.’ Not till the 19th, after a
night in which the patient had experienced a serious accession of
fever, did he give us leave to call in the doctor. The messenger was

358

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

hastily despatched ; and, meanwhile, we began to hope, that the
abscess would soon break, and that, as in former cases of a similar
kind, recovery would speedily follow. But on Friday the 20th, the
other cheek began to swell ; and on the Saturday we had reason to
believe, that erysipelas was added to the original malady, — an opinion
which Dr. O’Flinn, who arrived about noon, confirmed. The doctor
administered an emetic to the patient, which, however, failed of effect,
at which he expressed himself both disappointed and uneasy. To-
wards evening, the abscess broke. ‘ The erysipelas,’ observed the
doctor, 4 will have its time. It varies greatly in its intensity, but by
degrees wears itself out.’ On hearing this, we resumed our courage,
and entertained fresh hopes of a favorable issue. At noon, on Sun.
day, the doctor returned to Stellenbosch. The following day, the
23rd, the complaint appeared to increase, and the fever became more
violent. Towards evening he sent for me — expressed to me his be-
lief, that this illness would be the means of his departure, and gave
me some commissions having reference to that event. I remained
with him till one o’clock in the morning, and was greatly edified by
his affectionate and emphatic declarations, some of which I noted
down at the time. He prayed fervently on behalf of his dear wife
and children, and commended them into the faithful hands of his Sa-
viour. At one o’clock, Br. Fries came to relieve me, and I lay down
to take some rest, having previously written a letter to Dr. Honey,
of Caledon, begging him to come over to us with all speed. At four,
I was called again, the fever having risen to such a height as to pro-
duce delirium. As soon as the paroxysm had subsided, I wrote to
Br. Teutsch, begging him to hasten to us, and likewise to Dr. O’Flinn,
requesting his further aid. About eight o’clock in the morning Dr.
Honey arrived, and bled the patient, who was hereby sensibly re-
lieved. During the remainder of the day, he lay quite tranquil, but
rambled, more or less, in the course of the night following. On the
morning of the 25th, consciousness was completely restored. At his
request we all assembled round his bed — the Sisters remaining in
the ante-room ; whereupon he took a solemn leave of our whole
Mission-family. He spoke for a full hour, with a clear voice, and
sufficiently loud to be understood by the Hottentots, who were stand-
ing near the window on the outside. His principal theme was the
free grace of God in Christ Jesus. 4 This,’ said he, 4 is the ground-
work of our doctrine: on this every thing must rest.’ He exhorted us to
watch faithfully over the flock, — to see to it, that the progress of the
kingdom of God was not hindered among us, — to care for the souls
committed to our charge, to bear them in our hearts, that none might
be lost.’ 4 All this,’ 1 observed, 4 we will do gladly ; but we are so
weak, so insufficient for such a charge ;’ to which he replied — 4 1
know it well, and, therefore, it is not you that must do it — the Lord
Himself must and will perform it.’ He admonished us to love one
another, to maintain the bond of peace and unity, and to hold fast
the word of God and His truth. 4 The world,’ said he, 4 will pass away,
but the word of the Lord shall endure for ever.’ He extolled the
grace of Christ which he was enjoying, and which he assured us was

FROM SOUTH AFRICA.

359

far greater than we could conceive. ‘ I have the Saviour,’ he ex-
claimed, ‘ I am already with Him. O what unspeakable grace !’
He then offered up a fervent intercessory prayer for us, for our con-
gregation, and for the whole Missionary work, and pronounced the
blessing upon us, concluding with a thrice repeated Amen. We were
all melted into tears ; forgot whatever was earthly ; and our hearts
were raised to things which are above, in a manner which we shall
never forget. After an interval of about half an hour, we again as-
sembled round his bed, and united in singing some verses, treating
of our departure to the Lord, and the blessedness of the church tri-
umphant. It was indescribably affecting, to hear with what fervency
he joined in the verse —

‘ What heavenly joy and consolation
This hope affords unto my heart,

That Christ the God of my salvation
Will me receive when I depart,’ &c.

(Hymn Book, No. 1183, 3.) The blessing of the Lord and of the
church was then laid upon him, with reference to his approaching
departure. The remainder of the day he lay quite tranquil. The
peace of God appeared to surround him. His breathing became
gradually shorter, till about six o’clock, when, without the smallest
struggle, it gently ceased. Thus closed our beloved Brother Hall-
beck his earthly pilgrimage and service. It is still like a dream,
that we have lost him ; but alas ! it is, nevertheless, a mournful re-
ality. Br. Teutsch has undertaken, at the unanimous request of our
Conference, to administer the office held by our late Brother, till the
.determination of our Elders in reference to it can be ascertained.
On the 27th ult , at eleven o’clock was the interment of his honored
remains. Besides the members of our congregation, a great con-
course of our friends and neighbors attended ; and testified by their
whole demeanor, how deeply they felt and deplored the loss which
all had sustained. I could add much more, but the messenger is
waiting for my letter. Do not forget us, and our bereaved flock, in
your prayers.”

[From the * ! Periodical Accounts,” &e.]

II. Memoir of sr. eve dorothy kohrhammer, who departed

THIS LIFE, AT GENADENDAL, ON THE 6TH OF NOVEMBER, 1839,
IN THE 83RD YEAR OF HER AGE, AFTER A MISSIONARY SERVICE
OF MORE THAN 50 YEARS IN THE DANISH WEST INDIES AND SOUTH
AFRICA.

[ Written by Herself.]

I was born April 12th, 1757, at Neukirch, near Bautzen, in Sax-
ony. My parents, Gottlob and Anna Elizabeth Lehmann, having
been awakened by the Holy Spirit to a serious concern for their
Vol. VII.— 21

360

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

souls, were intent on training me and the rest of their children for
the Lord. As they were in connexion with the Brethren’s Church,
I had, from childhood, the privilege of attending the meetings of the
small society in our village ; and I can remember feeling, at a very
early period, a desire to live unto our Saviour. A picture of the
crucifixion, which hung in my mother’s room, on one occasion deeply
affected me ; and I told my mother, in childlike simplicity, that as
she had our Saviour drawn in the picture, so I had His picture in my
heart, just as He hung upon the cross. An account which was given
us, in one of the meetings of our society, of the children in the Bre-
thren’s congregations, made an indelible impression on my mind ;
and I prayed very earnestly to the Lord, that He would help me to
love Him as they did. A strong desire arose within me, to live in
a settlement of the Brethren, which was renewed every time that I
visited Herrnhut.

Being once imprudently praised by one of my teachers, in the
presence of my companions, and pointed out to them as a pattern, I
quite lost my simplicity ; and pride and self-complacency took pos-
session of my heart. In addition to this, I fell into bad company at
school, which did me great injury, so that all my love to our Saviour
vanished, and the world would have gained the victory over me, had
it not been for the blessing of the Lord on my parents’ watchfulness.
Nevertheless, I often contrived, unknown to them, to mix in improper
company ; and when they were, at length, made aware of it, they
took it so deeply to heart, that my mother became seriously ill in
consequence. My conscience, which had not been easy before, was
now exceedingly disturbed : I thought, that, if my mother should die,
my brothers and sisters would blame me, as the cause of their ir-
reparable loss, and I prayed most fervently to the Lord to restore
her to health. Nor did he suffer me to pray in vain.

The Holy Spirit now discovered to me more fully my natural sin-
fulness ; I learned to know myself as corrupt throughout, and began
to doubt whether I could possibly be saved ; indeed, I wished, in my
distress, that I had never been born, seeing no prospect before me
but that of eternal misery. If, sometimes, a ray of hope enlivened
my gloom, it was soon shut out again by returning unbelief. In my
fourteenth year, I was instructed, previous to confirmation, by that
eminent servant of God, the Rev. Mr. Reichel, minister of the parish
of Neukirch, and the Holy Spirit made use of this opportunity to re-
claim my wandering heart. Two days before the sacred rite was
administered, I entered into a solemn covenant with the Redeemer
of my soul, and promised the minister, as I gave him my trembling
hand, that I would yield myself entirely to the Saviour, that He might
do with me whatsoever He pleased. The blessings which I expe-
rienced on this occasion, and at my subsequent confirmation and first
approach to the Lord’s table, are yet fresh in my remembrance.

Not long after this happy period, I was acknowledged as a mem-
ber of the Society connected with the Brethren’s Church. But in-
creasing self-knowledge brought with it fresh doubts and fears ; and
1 was so tormented by the idea of being for ever lost, that I could

FROM SOUTH AFRICA.

361

neither eat nor sleep, and my friends thought that I was in a con-
sumption. A letter from my eldest brother, at Gnadau, added to my
distress. “ I often pray,” he wrote, “ that all my brothers and sis-
ters may prosper for the Lord, and none of them be lost.” The
terrible thought oppressed me — “ Thou art the only one in the family
that is in this wretched case.” Overwhelmed with grief, I retired
to pour out my heart before the Lord, and, with many tears, implored
Him to comfort me. He graciously heard my cry, and spoke peace
to my troubled soul. At the same time, I obtained a settled confi-
dence, that he had called me to the Brethern’s Church, and would
prepare the way for me to join it. Six years, however, still elapsed,
before my wishes were realized ; and in this interval, my constancy
was put to a severe trial. Offers of marriage were made me ; some
of my relations did their utmost to divert me from my purpose ; and
the thought of parting from my parents was inexpressibly painful.
Yet the Lord enabled me to adhere to my resolution, and to wait His
time with patience. On one occasion, when I was praying for resig-
nation to His will, my mother overheard me, and she was induced to
give her free consent, to my joining the Brethren as soon as I pleased.
About this time, I had a very narrow escape, from falling through a
trap-door in the hayloft, as I was foddering the cows ; and whenever
I think of it, I thank the Lord for mercifully preserving my life. I
derived much edification from the discourses of Pastor Reichel in
the meetings of the Society, and one of them, especially, has left an
indelible impression on my mind. It was opened with the hymn : —
“ Jesus thyself to us reveal,” &c. (Hymn Book, No. 580). This
hymn, and the subsequent address of our beloved minister, affected
me deeply ; and I was engaged the whole way home in praying to
the Lord, that He would grant me, not merely a transient feeling of
His grace, but the full forgiveness of all my sins, through His atoning
merit. And he drew unspeakably near to my soul on this occasion.

In 1780, I, at length, received the desired permission to live at
Herrnhut, and, July 8th, bade adieu to the paternal roof. It was my
wish, to live alone to the Lord, who had paid so dearly for my soul’s
ransom ; and I besought Him, to impart to me all that I required,
for the strengthening of my faith, and the increase of spiritual life
within me. At first, indeed, a want of openness in communicating
with my spiritual superior, was a hinderance to my comfort ; but
this was, at length, granted me in answer to my prayer ; and having,
shortly after, the favor to be received into the congregation, my heart
became light and cheerful. My first enjoyment of the Lord’s Supper
with the congregation, and the first festival of the single Sisters,
which I celebrated, were also days of rich blessing to my soul. Still
I did not possess that firm assurance of the forgiveness of my sins,
which was vouchsafed to many, whose memoirs I had read, and this
made me sometimes very uneasy. Meanwhile, in June, 1783, I was
chosen a member of the company of intercessors ; and being thus
called to special prayer for others, I. turned with renewed earnestness
to the Lord, and, confessing my want of faith, implored Him to grant
me the favor for which I sighed. And He was pleased to assure

362

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

me of His absolving grace. My heart leaped for joy ; and I could
now draw near to Him in childlike confidence, and lay before Him,
not only my own concerns, but also those of my Brethren and Sisters*
in believing supplication.

September 17th, 1784, I received a call, to serve the Lord in
the Danish West Indies, and was married, on the 28th of the
same month, to the single Brother, Thomas Lundberg. We set
out, October 5th, for Copenhagen ; and, after a voyage of six
weeks, reached Friedensfeld, in St. Croix, on January 23rd,
whence we proceeded, by the first opportunity, to New-Herrnhut,
in St. Thomas. Towards the end of 1786, we removed to St.
Croix. The Lord led me into an increasing knowledge of my
own insufficiency, and of His grace ; and gave me, from time to
time, those renewed assurances of my individual acceptance,
which I felt so needful for the cheerful and profitable discharge
of my various duties. Thus, amongst other instances, He drew
very near to me during a family lovefeast, at which the Missiona-
ries met on Maundy Thursday, 1790 ; and I could enter into the
spirit of the verse : —

“ God be praised, they who are His
In this present dispensation.

Nought essential ever miss,

Since they share in Christ’s Salvation ,

Though unseen, He’s nigh to all
Who in truth upon Him call.”

Yet, I must humbly acknowledge, that, notwithstanding the pa-
tience and mercy shewn me by the Lord, many infirmities and
failings marked my course. My naturally warm temper occa-
sioned much trouble both to myself and others ; and I am still a
learner in the school of meekness and true humility.

In 1792, we moved from Bethany to Friedensberg, where a
new Mission-house was in progress ; but my dear husband de-
clared his conviction, that he should never enter it, for that
another house awaited him. As he appeared to enjoy better
health here, than in any of the three other stations where we
had resided, I was not a little startled at this declaration. But
his words proved true ; and, on February 1st, 1794, he was taken
from me, after an illness of only three days, whilst I myself was
lying in an almost hopeless state. My feelings can be imagined,
only by such as have experienced a similar bereavement. None
but God could comfort me, and He did comfort me.

Having a great desire to return to Europe, which my state of
health, moreover, rendered advisable, I set out with my daughter,
in company of Br. and Sr. Gottling. A fortnight after embarka-
tion, the fever left me ; but it returned again, in consequence of
a cold which I took on the land journey, and when I reached
Kleinwelke, where I had pleased myself with the prospect of
meeting my son, after a long separation, I had to take to my bed
again. Through the mercy of God, however, I soon recovered

FROM SOUTH AFRICA.

363

from this relapse. But, in less than two months, my little (laugh-
ter, whom I had placed in Kleinwelke school for her education,
was taken to the heavenly fold by the Good Shepherd. A place
was, meanwhile, found for me in the widows’ house at Niesky,
where I made much useful experience under the teaching of the
Holy Spirit.

June 9th, 1797, I was called to the service of the Mission in South
Africa, and was in that view united in marriage to Br. J. P. Kohr-
hammer, who was going out as Superintendent of that Mission. We
set out from Herrnhut, July 3rd; and, travelling by way of Altona,
arrived in London, September 2nd, after a tedious voyage. Here
we had to wait upwards of five months for a vessel: and, at length,
set sail from Portsmouth, February 17th, 1798, in company of a fleet.
Danger threatened us, the very first night of our voyage, our ship
twice running foul of others ; and being unable, in consequence of
the damage sustained, to keep up with the convoy, we were exposed
to the numerous privateers which hovered round. Yet the remain-
der of the voyage proved safe and pleasant, and the calm weather
which we met with under the line afforded an opportunity for putting
the vessel to rights. We cast anchor in Table-Bay on Monday 6th.
After spending some days very agreeably with our venerable friend,
Martin Schmidt, we proceeded in a waggon to Bavianskloof, where
we arrived on the 21st of the same month. A numerous company
of Hottentot Brethren and Sisters met us two or three miles from the
place, and the nearer we approached the greater was the conflux.*
Amongst the rest, old Magdalena, the only surviving member of the
late George Schmidt’s congregation, came, carried by her friends,
being too infirm at her advanced age to walk. Words cannot de-
scribe what I felt on this occasion ; my emotion found vent in tears,
and I lifted up my heart in fervent prayer to the Lord, that He would
assist me, and preserve me from injuring so blessed a work as that
whereof I was an eye-witness. It humbled me to feel the confidence
which the Hottentot Sisters at once reposed in me ; and the cry —
“ Help me ! I am lost. Tell me what I must do to be saved,” pro-
ceeded from increasing numbers. I accounted it a favor to assist my
dear husband in his office to the best of my power, and all hardships
and difficulties were lightened by our mutual harmony. The heavier
was the stroke, when, June 6th, 1811, it pleased the Lord to make me
a widow, for the second time, by means of his happy departure.
After commending me to the Lord in fervent prayer, he closed his
weary eyes, and sweetly exchanged faith for sight. My longing is,
that I may soon, through mercy, be permitted to follow him.”

Here her memoir concludes, omitting all particulars of her service
in this Mission, and of the twenty-eight years of her widowhood.
Her fellow servants, therefore, add the following : —

By the express desire of the Governor, General Jansen, Br. Kohr-
hammer acted as chaplain to the Hottentot corps quartered in the
Vineyards, from the year 1804 till the commencement of 1806, when

* This was scarcely six years alter the renewal of the Mission. — E d.

364

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

the English took possession of the colony. Our late Sister was also
usefully employed, at the first settling of Groenekloof, from May,
1808, to May, 1810. As widow, she accompanied Br. and Sr.
Schmidt, and the Brn. Schulz, Hoffman, and Hornig, to the Witte
river in 1815, assisted in the establishment of Enon, and shared the
dangers of the Cadre war in the year following. After remaining
another year at Uitenhage, she returned to Genadendal, where she
spent the last twenty years of her life, taking her part in the Mission-
ary work according to her strength, and sometimes beyond her
strength, with exemplary faithfulness and punctuality. She was a
pleasant and affectionate colleague ; and so far from observing any
traces of that warm and hasty temperament, of which she complains
in her memoir, her intimate friends considered a mild conciliatory
disposition to be a striking feature in her character. The Hotten-
tots of her own sex found in her a faithful and sympathizing friend,
who took the liveliest interest in their prosperity, both temporal and
spiritual, and loved and revered her as a mother in Israel ; and both
old and young flocked to her dwelling, especially at each return of
the monthly speaking. She was blessed with the full possession of
her mental faculties to the last, and, considering her advanced age,
enjoyed a tolerable share of health.

Not till a month or two before her departure, did she complain of
an oppression on the chest, which did not, however, interrupt her
attendance at the meetings. But, in September, (1839), a visible
change took place, and evident symptoms of dropsy made their ap-
pearance. Confined now to her room, she was yet free from pain,
and could sit up till two days before her end. As her strength de-
clined, her desire to depart and to be with Christ increased ; and, on
the evening of November 6th, her desire was granted, in so gentle
and sudden a manner, that, before her nurse could call in her neigh-
bors, Br. and Sr. Stein, her emancipated spirit had quitted its worn-
out tenement. Her pilgrimage lasted eighty-two years and seven
months, of which more than fifty years were spent in Missionary
service — ten in the Danish West Indies, and forty-one and a half in
South Africa.

[From the “ Periodical Accounts,” &c.]

III. LABRADOR.

EXTRACTS OF PRIVATE CORRESPONDENCE.

(Concluded from page 312.)

FROM NAIN.

“ The copies of the New Testament, with which we have been
supplied through the kind liberality of the British and Foreign Bible
Society, are a real treasure to our Esquimaux, who often inquired,
in the course of last winter, whether they might soon expect to re-

FROM LABRADOR.

305

ceive them. I wish our dear Christian friends in Europe could
have witnessed the delight, which beamed in the countenances of
the elder pupils in our school, when we distributed among them
some of the copies of the Four Gospels, sent out to us last year.
Many a tear stood in their eyes, and many an expression of grati-
tude to their unknown benefactors fell from their lips, mingled with
the assurance, that the latter would be frequently remembered in
their prayers. The new edition appears to give very general satis-
faction. We hear from every quarter, that it is considered far more
correct and intelligible than the former one. The Summary of
Christian Doctrine, for which we are indebted to the kindness of the
Religious Tract Society, proves also a valuable gift to our young
people. It is in continual use among us, for their instruction in the
truths of Scripture, and in the doctrine and precepts of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ.

“ In the manuscript of the revised edition of the Hymn Book,
which we send you, in the hope that your Society will kindly under-
take the printing of it, you will find a considerable number of
alterations, and I think I may add, of improvements. The old
edition, printed in 1824, of which our stock is qute exhausted, we
shall discontinue using, as soon as the new one reaches our hands.

“ We feel much obliged to you, for sending us copies of the
Periodical Accounts, Reports of the Bible Society, Missionary
Register, and other similar publications. These afford us pleasant
and profitable reading, during the long winter evenings, and supply
us with many a subject for thought, and conversation, and inter-
cession at the throne of grace.

“ J. Lundberg.”

“ Among our communicants, are many whose walk truly adorns
the Gospel. Our monthly conversations with them tend greatly to
our encouragement ; though it is to be observed, that some of the
most approved of their number are of the fewest words. They
confess that they are, as yet, very far from the mark which is set
before them ; but testify their earnest desire, to cleave to their
Saviour, and become more and more like unto Him. Others ex-
press, in warm terms, their thankfulness for the privilege of hearing
the Word of God ; ‘for what,’ say they, ‘ should we be, if we had
no teachers, who explain it to us. Do not, therefore, cease to speak
to us, in the church, even though, at times, your words may be
sharp. You do not speak in vain ; though, it is true, there are still
many, who do not attend as they ought to what you say, but live
according to their own pleasure.’ On these occasions, we gladly
point to the blood of Jesus, as the only remedy for the hurts of our
fallen nature, — the fountain opened for sin and for all uncleanness.

“C. G. Albrecht.”

“Last winter I had again to suffer severely from indisposition,
whereby I was often much hindered in my work. The Lord,, how-

366

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

ever, approved Himself as my Good Physician, and soon after
Easter, I recovered my health and my bodily energies, and was
able to resume all my duties with a cheerful spirit. As soon as the
weather permitted, we commenced the repair and enlargement of
our church, — an occupation which seemed to agree wonderfully
well with my health. We are particularly thankful for your pro-
mise, to send us a supply of European timber, for that which grows
in this country, is good for little for building purposes. I hope, next
year, to have a few more tracts translated ; of late I have been
unable to do any work of this kind.

“ F. C. Fritsche.”

FROM HOPEDALE.

“ The year past has been a period of distinguished blessing for
our Esquimaux flock. Our services at church, both on Sundays
and week-days, the meetings for the several classes of the congre-
gation, and for the religious instruction of the young, and the
schools for both boys and girls, were diligently attended, and we
had encouraging proofs that our labor was not in vain Not only
had we the pleasure to re-admit to church-fellowship all the ex-
cluded who remained under our care, except two persons ; but we
had likewise the joy, to see nearly all the lost sheep, who had
strayed from us and removed southwards, return to the fold, with
expressions of sorrow and contrition for their faults, and the as-
surance of their desire and determination, to show more faithfulness
for the time to come. The number of individuals attached to this
station has thus received a consierable increase ; it amounts, at
present, to 207, the largest we have ever had upon our books. May
the Lord give us the needful wisdom and grace to instruct them
according to His mind, and to lead them in the way in which they
should go ! “ J. P. Stock.”

“It has cost us much, to part with our dear children; their
mother and myself feel quite desolate at finding ourselves, for the
first time, without them. Yesterday, I accompanied them on board
the Harmony. The sea w r as rough and the wind high, and altogether
the scene and the occasion quite overcame me. Louisa was tolera-
bly composed, and bore the parting well, but poor Julius cried as if
his heart would break. What can we do, but commend them to the
Saviour, whose property they are, and implore Him to hold His
gracious hand over them, and protect them from all that would prove
hurtful either to soul or body ?

“ Our settlement appears to be in good repute at present. Many
heathen Esquimaux from the south visited us last winter, chiefly for
the purposes of traffic ; and we were thankful to observe among
them, a very great desire to learn to read, and to be instructed in
spiritual things. Many of them professed to believe in Jesus, though
they confessed, they knew nothing of His love to mankind. It is

FROM LABRADOR.

367

possible, that they may have obtained some knowledge of Scriptural
truth, from the Southlanders with whom they associate.

“ Z. Glitsch.”

“ I can assure you, that I have often derived real edification and
instruction from my intercourse with the poor Esquimaux committed
to our charge. Their simple expressions of love to Jesus, and faith
in Him, have convinced me, that the Holy Spirit was carrying on a
work of grace in their hearts. With the children, I have had par-
ticular pleasure. Through the kindness of our esteemed friend, the
Rev. Mr. Barth, of Mottlingen, in Wirtemberg, we have again had
it in our power to distribute among them a number of Scripture
Stories, with wood-cuts, with which they have been greatly delighted.
We did not omit to give them explanations of the several subjects,
suited to their capacities, and to lead their tender minds, to the con-
sideration of the truths revealed in the Word of God. They re-
quested us, on this occasion, to convey their heartfelt thanks to Barde ,
as they call their unknown benefactor. In the evening, there came
to me a little girl, of about eight years of age, and accosted me thus :
— ‘ Ahak,’ (the ordinary salutation of an Esquimaux), ‘ I have words
for Barde, and salute him heartily. I wish him not to be displeased
or sorrowful ; for I am determined to live to Jesus. I am His pro-
perty ; for He has shed His blood for me, and I have been dedicated
to Him in baptism. On this account, I love Him.’ Her tears flowed
freely while she uttered these words. I was much interested by my
intercourse with an old Esquimaux, who had had the grief to lose
his four sons, one of whom, the eldest, was his favorite, and a young
man of great promise. As you are aware, the Esquimaux are wont
to be foolishly indulgent to their children, and are sadly deficient in
the exercise of parental discipline ? They are also apt to consider
the loss of any of them, as a judgment from God, and to yield to im-
moderate grief. In the present instance, the Spirit of God made use
of the affliction sent, as a means of weaning the affections of the poor
parents and their two surviving children from the things of earth,
and fixing them more simply upon the Saviour. Of this I was pleas-
ingly convinced, by my conversations with them, and especially with
the mourning father, whose resignation to the will of the Lord was
truly edifying to me. He now laments, that he has spent so large a
portion of his life to so little purpose, and earnestly desires to be-
come, through grace, conformed to the mind and image of his Sa-
viour. His youngest surviving son, we had the joy to admit to the
enjoyment of the Lord’s Supper, in the course of last winter.

“ C. Barsoe.”

FROM OKKAK.

“ I read with much interest the observations in your letter, on the
subject of the secular duties, in which we are compelled, by cir-
cumstances t to engage, as servants of this Mission. I have had
my full share of them, and they have often been trying to mv spirit.
Vol. VII.— 22

368

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

But I have been, on the other hand, encouraged by the reflection,
that the more frequent intercourse with the Esquimaux, into which
I w r as brought by the nature of the charge committed to me, af-
forded me the best opportunity possible of becoming acquainted
with the weaknesses of their character, as well as with their more
valuable qualities, and made me the better able to sympathize in
their wants, and to bear with their failings ; to arouse the slumber-
ing, to warn the careless, to comfort the mourning and the penitent ;
and to exhort those who had received grace to walk worthy of their
calling, and to follow after that ‘ holiness without which no man
shall see the Lord.’ Pray for us, that the Lord may give us grace
and strength, thus to lead and to serve the souls who are the pur-
chase of His precious blood.

“ G. F. Knauss.”

FROM HEBRON.

“ Last winter I was much occupied in keeping school, and de-
rived much pleasure and encouragement from the discharge of this
duty. Whenever the weather was at all tolerable, there was no lack
of children in attendance. Before we broke up for the summer, the
number had increased to forty. These I divided into two classes.
The elder pupils read the Scriptures, learn hymns, the Ten Com-
mandments, the Creed, &c. The younger are taught to spell, and
to commit texts and verses to memory. We were particularly
pleased to have it in our power, through the kindness of friends in
London, Herrnhut, and Lubeck, to distribute little rewards among
them, on the day of the examination. I hope soon to have a
regular writing class. In February, I paid a visit to Saeglek, with
Brother Kruth ; and though I could not be of much use, in con-
versing with the heathen, owing to my comparative ignorance of the
language, I had many opportunities of observing, much to my edifi-
cation, how great is the difference between the converted Esquimaux
and their pagan countrymen. I also learnt to appreciate the luxury
of sleeping in a snow-hut, and accustoming myself to other strange
and rude, but by no means unhealthful, usages of this frozen region.

“ J. T. VoLLFRECHT.”

“ It would appear as if the coast immediately to the northward of
us were becoming more and more bare of inhabitants. Fifteen
years ago, there were, at least 300 Esquimaux living at Nachvak.
Two years ago, none were found there, and last winter, only one
wfinter-house was to be met with. Last summer, two boats’ com-
panies left those parts, for the Ungava country, where Europeans
have settled, with whom they are inclined to traffic. They speak,
however, of coming back again. We are much concerned at their
tendency to emigration, as it threatens to frustrate one main object
our establishing ourselves at this place.

“Jona. Mentzel.”

FROM THE WEST INDIES.

369

(From the “ Periodical Accounts,” &c.]

IV. WEST INDIES.

On the 18th of December last, the Brn. and Srs. Breutel and
Hauser, and Br. Ehr. M. Linke, reached St. Thomas in safety, after
a tedious passage of above eight weeks from Altona. They found
the Mission-family in that island in much anxiety and distress, owing
to the recent departures of the Srs. Wied and Koster, of New-Herrn-
hut, by means of the prevailing fever, and the alarming illness of Br.
Wied. Of the recovery of the latter, good hopes were, however,
entertained, at the date of Br. BreutePs communication, (December
28th). The closing months of the year 1840 appear to have been
marked by much sickness and mortality ; not only in the Danish
Islands, but throughout the whole of the West Indies. In St. Kitt’s
particularly, our Missionaries have been subjected to attacks of fever,
more or less severe, and one Sister, the wife of Br. Th. D. Roemer,
has been very unexpectedly removed, to the great grief of her hus-
band and fellow-laborers. Soon after new year, Br. Breutel hoped
to enter upon the duties of his commission, and to visit successively
the stations in the islands of St. Thomas, St. Jan, and St. Croix.
The work of education in the last mentioned and most populous of
these islands, appears to be proceeding satisfactorily.

The gradual formation of negro colonies or hamlets, in the neigh-
borhood of several of our settlements, is an interesting feature in the
history of the Jamaica Mission. There can be little doubt, that the
temporal prosperity of the respective districts will be hereby pro-
moted, as well as the spiritual benefit of the settlers, and the instruc-
tion of their children.

The reports from the Missions in Antigua, Barbadoes, and To-
bago, are, in general, of a cheering complexion. At St. John’s and
Gracehay , in the first-mentioned island, want of church accommoda-
tion is loudly complained of, and, from the statements made, it would
appear, not without reason. It is to be hoped, that means will, ere
long, be found for the remedy of this defect. Several of the sub-
joined letters contain pleasing details of the spiritual progress of the
work, in which our Brethren have the privilege to be engaged.

1. JAMAICA.

EXTRACT OF LETTERS FROM BROTHER J. ZORN.

“ Fairfield , September 29th, 1840.

“ Dear Brother, — Of Missionary intelligence, I cannot send
you much this time. I was in hopes of being able to forward you a
copy of our diary, which my good wife has kept, but really have been
too much engaged to prepare it. The survey of Maidstone, and its
subdivision into 80 — 100 lots, has already occupied me fifteen whole
days, and I have not quite done yet. How little did I think, when I

370

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

entered upon my present office, that the knowledge of land-survey-
ing, which I had acquired as a lad of fifteen, would ever be service-
able to me as a Missionary. I have thus been able to save the Mis-
sion about 200Z. currency, to serve our Nazareth congregation, and
though some may not think so, confer a benefit on the whole district.

“ Around Fairfield, we shall soon have a flourishing village ; some
houses are already built, and others are in the course of erection.
Two neighboring proprietors are selling land at a price per acre, —
more than double the amount it would have fetched four or five years
ago, it being waste land. By this time next year, we shall have a
population of from 400 to 500 within half a mile all around us.

“ We continue to see pleasing evidences of the power of the Word
of God ; may more and more receive the truth in the love of it !”

“ Newjield Plantation, near Isle, October 30th, 1840.

“Your kind and interesting letter of September 15th found me
here yesterday. You are aware, I believe, that, since the beginning
of this year, Br. and Sr. Straubel and ourselves have come hither
alternately every two months, and spent a week or ten days here, for
the purpose of speaking individually with the distant members of our
flock, who will hereafter form the congregation at Bethabara. We
were gratified yesterday, to find those of our new people who came
to see us, giving evidence of a work of grace in their hearts. One
man, to whom I was endeavoring to explain the suretyship of Jesus,
and His vicarious sufferings, by a comparison with the substitution
of one slave voluntarily receiving thirty-nine lashes to screen another,
suddenly exclaimed — ■* The same thing happened to me, Massa \
There is a woman named Margaret, now living on the plantation K. ;
many years ago, I had marked her for a wife, (that is, he was solicit-
ing her hand at the time), and one day in the field, when we were
picking coffee, she picked too much green coffee (unripe), in her
basket, and this was a fault you know. The driver threatened to
flog her for it ; and all the begging I could beg him, he insisted on
flogging her to frighten the rest. At last I told him, rather than flog
her, I would bear it, and lay down on the ground, and he did flog
me.’ ‘ Did he flog you, indeed V * O yes, the woman is still living,
and can tell you. Now I know that Jesus must love us for true, if
He bore the punishment for our sins. Jesus loves us too much !”
Sr. Zorn also was much pleased with the declarations of several of
the females, to whom she spoke on the subject of prayer. The scope
of their petitions proved, that they pray ‘ in the spirit.’ May the
Spirit of the Lord carry on in their souls, His sanctifying influences.
Many of our people, it is true, are mere babes in Christ ; but the
more do we desire to follow the example of the great Apostle of the
Gentiles, 4 to be affectionately desirous of them, and gentle among
them, as a nurse cherisheth her children.’

“ The building of this place is making good progress, and we still
hope, though it will not be quite finished, to make use of it at Christ-
mas. We shall then abandon the edifice which we have hitherto
occupied by the permission of our esteemed friend, Mrs. D. New-

FROM THE WEST INDIES.

371

man ; a boiling-house, with its huge wheels, posts, cranks, interior
circular guttering, half a dozen benches, and numerous stones form-
ing the seats for our Sabbath assemblies. Rude as the place is, we
are truly thankful to our kind friend for the use of it,

“ The alarming deficiency in our funds, I deeply regret. In as
far as Jamaica is concerned, I think I may safely say, that the in-
crease of expenditure is mainly owing to the enlargement of our
operations. And this enlargement was not of our seeking, but grew
upon us, or naturally arose out of a lively and active publication of
the Gospel.”

“ New-Fulneck, December 17 th, 1840.

“You will, I doubt not, sympathize with us, when I inform
you, that our sweet little Caroline, aged twenty months, was re-
moved from our side to a better world on November 28th. She
was a most affectionate and interesting child ; a general favorite
with black and white, and quite the life of our circle. She had
so endeared herself to us, and entwined herself around our hearts,
that the separation, sudden and unexpected, was, indeed, most
painful to our parental feelings. Even now we cannot speak of
our sweet little girl without faultering voices and tearful eyes,
though we are assured she is better provided for than we could
ever have hoped to provide for her, and though we think of a fu-
ture joyful re-union, with intense interest and delight. The Lord
has wonderfully supported my dear wife under this bereavement.
It is a mercy, that our fondest earthly tie having been snapped,
at the same time His gracious promise has been verified to us —
‘ As thy day, so shall thy strength be.’ Blessed be His holy
name !

“ The night after the funeral, I was taken ill with fever, and
confined to my bed for a week. Thanks to Divine mercy, I am
again restored, the full measure of strength excepted, and was
able yesterday to attend the usual Mission’s Conference at this
place.

“ Several others of our Missionary circle have been complain-
ing. Br. Elliott has had a slight attack of fever, Br. Heath a
more violent one, which has left him very weak, and though free
from disease for nearly three weeks past, he has hardly regained
any strength. Sr. Robbins is also frequently ailing ; to her the
change of climate has been of no service, but Br. Robbins’s health
has improved by means of it.

“Last Sunday, I made a collection here towards Bethabara
chapel ; owing to a variety of causes, it was less productive than
I anticipated ; it will hardly reach £30 currency ; I expected
£ 100 .

“But I have more joyful news to communicate; I have just
received a letter from the member for this parish in the House
of Assembly, stating that the Committee have reported to the
house, that £500 currency (about £300 sterling) be given to each
of our two new chapels, New-Eden and Bethabara. We bless

372

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

the Lord for this seasonable aid ! The house has been more
quietly at work this session than ever before. They are amend-
ing the Dissenters’ Marriage Act, and have returned to us £190
currency, the amount of stamps laid out on past marriages. They
are also disposed, I hear, to take off the shilling stamp on dupli-
cate registers of new marriages.

“I have not much more to communicate. Our Mission labors
are proceeding as usual, but we are sadly overworked, having
no Brother for New-Eden. The arrival of recruits is conse-
quently waited for with impatience.

“ Our friend, the Gustos of Manchester, Dr. Davy, died on the
3rd inst. He was a liberal and kindhearled man, whose loss we
deplore.

“ I have still to mention, that the Rev. Dr. Stewart, lately rec-
tor of this parish, has written to me, and expressed his dissent
from the opinion advanced in my letter of October, 1839, on the
state of intelligence and civilization of the negroes around Skid-
daw. As, for nearly seven years, he lived within four or five
miles of the place, he had better opportunities of becoming ac-
quainted with them, and he thinks them not behind the rest of
the black population. That both sides may be heard, I would
request you to make this statement public.”

FROM BROTHER W. S. BLANDFORD.

“ Fai~field , June 22 nd, 1840.

“ Dear Brother, — The Sun of Righteousness has arisen here
also with healing in His wings ; and this island, which was once
one of the dark places of the earth, has been enlightened by his
cheering rays. Hundreds of persons, who, a few years ago,
were sitting in darkness, and living without God, and without
Christ, in the world, can now feelingly say, ‘ I was once dead,
but now I am alive ; I was once blind, but now I see.’ And such
expressions as these I hear frequently from poor negroes, when
they come to us for private religious instruction. We have great
cause to rejoice, that ‘the Lord has made bare His arm among
the heathen.’

“ Some years ago, it would have been a difficult matter, to find
a dozen negroes who could read, out of a congregation of 500
persons. But, in these days, we are permitted to see our sable
brethren and sisters walking to their places of worship, with their
Bible and their Hymn Book under their arm. I am happy to be
able to inform you, that there are about 150 adults of both sexes,
belonging to the church at this place, who read the inspired vo-
lume. And on the Lord’s day, many are to be seen reading the
Old and New Testament lessons at church, and referring to those
texts, which may be mentioned during the sermon. The people
in connexion with us also pay due attention to the exhortation of
St. Paul, Heb. x. 25. They assemble together in such numbers,
that we can find no place to accommodate many of them. May

FROM THE WEST INDIES.

373

those persons who have the ability, contribute according to their
means and then the work of the Lord will not be hindered for
want of money.”

2. ST. KITT’S.

FROM BROTHER P. RICKSECKER.

“ Basse-Terre , October 12 th, 1840.

“ Dear Brother, — In the hope of being able to send these
few lines by the packet, which is hourly expected, I sit down,
with a trembling hand and dim sight, to inform you of the Lord’s
doings with us. Sickness has visited us sorely since the date of
my last. I was first attacked by the so-called bilious rheumatic
fever, then my nephew Benjamin, and afterwards little Edwina,
and my dear wife, all being ill at the same time. At present, we
are convalescent, but not able to do much. The school is shut
up, but we hope soon to re-open it. Sr. Ricksecker’s case was
the worst, and she is still very weak. She must be attended to
night and day, and is dreadfully salivated ; but, thanks be to the
Lord, I have hopes of her eventual recovery.

“ The Lord’s ways are wonderful ; poor Br. Roemer was call-
ed to give up his dear wife, when he least expected it. Sister
Roemer departed this life on the 7th inst., and Br. Oeter was the
only Brother who could go to Bethel and care for her burial. On
his way, he found Br. Lichtenthaler, at Bethesda, ill of fever ;
the latter is now, however, recovering. It is Br. Roemer’s in-
tention to visit his brother in St. Croix, and proceed thence to
Germany. More I cannot say this time, as writing affects my
head. The work at the new chapel is going on prosperously.
We commend ourselves to your prayers at the Throne of Grace ;
and beseech you especially to remember poor Br. Roemer, and
his two motherless children, in your intercessions.”

“ Bethel , November 20th, 1840.

“ It was my full intention to write a long letter by this packet, but
family afflictions and official duties forbid it this time ; and I must
look to a future opportunity to fulfil my intention. Yesterday we
came to this place, but have had a very disturbed night ; my wife is
still a poor invalid.”

, FROM BROTHER I. G. MTJNTZER.

“ Bethesda , September 9th, 1840.

“ Dear Brother, — The Lord continues to bless our unworthy
labors in this congregation. Our services, especially on the Lord’s
day, are numerously attended. We have a spacious church, now
that there is a school-house in connexion with it, and yet we have
frequently to complain of want of room. Though it gives us much
pleasure, to see such large auditories assemble together, to hear the
Word of God, yet we have often to regret, that many, who make a

374

missionary accounts.

profession of religion, dornot adorn thefdoctrine of God our Saviour
as they ought, by their walk and conversation.

“ On the 30th of August, we celebrated the festival of the married
people. About 300 couples were present. Our fervent prayer was,
that the blessing of the Lord may rest upon them and their offspring.

“ You ask in your letter, if we have got qualified teachers for our
school : I think we may be satisfied for the present with both of them.
They are attentive in their duty, and tolerably well qualified for the
management of a negro school. . At the same time, there is a great
scarcity of persons here, who are either willing or able to engage in
such service ; we must, therefore, value those the more highly, who
devote themselves to it faithfully. While we were alone, my dear
wife and myself rendered assistance, as far as our duties permitted.
Now that Br. and Sr. Lichtenthlaer have joined us, they have taken
the charge of the schools, and I trust the Lord will bless their en-
deavors.”

3. ANTIGUA.

FROM BROTHER B. HARVEY.

“ St. John's , October 29 th, 1840.

“ Dear Brother, — Br. Westerby would be much assissted in
his important labors at Lebanon, and 1 am sure would be very
thankful, if you could obtain a library of books for his flourishing
school from the Committee of the Religious Tract Society. He has
desired me to mention the subject to you ; and most cordially do I
beg to join my request with his for this desirable assistance to his
school.”

“ November 19 th, 1840.

“ I am led to address you by this packet, in consequence of the
urgent representations of our dear friend Mr. Millar, of the Mice
Charity. We are at this time in much want of two sub-teachers
(females), for St. John’s, and Cedar Hall, and Mr. Millar has none
to offer us, nor have we any at present to send to him for the need-
ful instruction. Here, at St. John’s, it is become absolutely needful,
that Br. Heath should have more efficient help, than he can have
from the female teacher now employed ; so that, for want of the
requisite assistance, he has twice been very poorly from over-exer-
tion. The difficulty in which we find ourselves at this time, having
frequently occurred before, to the detriment of our schools, from our
having to wait too long for the needful supply of teachers, Mr. Millar
has been led to propose — and I am induced cordially to second the
proposal — that there may be always a male and female teacher under
his training, for our service ; by which arrangement, the vacancies
occurring in our eight schools may be supplied without loss of time,
temporary relief afforded in the event of a teacher’s sickness, and
the teachers be enabled from time to time, to obtain further benefit
from the Normal School, by there being an assistant in training

FROM THE WEST INDIES.

375

there, who might afford them temporary relief. I would, therefore,
simply ask you the question, whether we may act upon Mr. Millar’s
suggestion, and incur the needful expense, which I suppose will be
covered by £50 currency, (or £24 sterling) per annum, for the two
teachers ?

“ I am happy to be able to state, that since the receipt of your
last favor of Sept. 15th, in which you make a lamentable outcry
about our Mission financies, we have resolved, in our Mission-con-
ference, that, after this year, contributions of one penny sterling
weekly, as church money, shall be raised from all persons under our
charge (above 12 years of age), by means of our Helpers, or other
persons appointed for the purpose ; who shall, in return, give receipts
to the payers, to be presented to us at the individual speaking, every
two months. On the other hand, we propose to abolish the present
speaking-money (Isa. lv. 1,) and the Sunday collections we have *
hitherto made in the church. Were all the adults in professed con-
nexion with our church in this island, to contribute according to this
rate, a sum would be raised, which, in addition to the subscriptions
of our Missionary Society here, would go far to support this Mission.

I do not, however, mean to say, that all, or even above three-fourths
would pay ; and, perhaps, at the first, only half the number would
give to this extent ; but I do not see, why this Mission should not be
ultimately supported by such means.”

“ December 29th, 1840.

“ You labor under a serious mistake, I can assure you, in suppos-
ing the church at Gracebay to be sufficiently large, for the use of the
congregation attached to that station. Of the 760 adults who be-
long to it, scarcely the half can find admittance, for the church is
only 50 feet in length by 25 feet in width. I never recollect to have
seen the whole of the congregation attending, inside the church, at
least not for many years past. Besides, the extreme narrowness of
the building is productive of great inconvenience. The benches
have been placed as close as possible, ever since Br. and Sr. Cole-
man were stationed here, and yet there is no room for many who
regularly attend on the Lord’s day. We shall therefore be truly
thankful, when permission can be given us to effect the enlargement
we have been contemplating.

“ A similar increase of accommodation is also much needed here at
St.John’s. Our church will seat* 880 persons at the very furthest,
including gallery and vestry; and the adult congregation remaining
attached to this station, after all the draughts that have been made
from it, to Lebanon, Five Islands, and Popeshead, amounts to 2386.
Such being the case, it follows, as a matter of course, that numbers
who belong to us, are deprived of the means of attending Divine ser-
vice, as regularly and frequently as they ought to do, and as would
be agreeable to many. I have little doubt, that we should be able
to raise the needful funds, for the addition of a wing to our present
chapel, which would remedy the inconvenience complained of. I
am happy to inform you, that our new system of missionary contri-
Vol. VII — 23

376

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

bution is coming into operation, and promises to work well. Our
Missionary Associations also prosper, especially those at St. John’s
and Lebanon. Our helper-brethren, and our negro flock generally,,
seem to be much pleased and interested with them, and not a single
instance has come to my knowledge, of any individual objection to
them, or to the monthly subscriptions. We shall have some miscon-
ceptions to rectify, I doubt not, especially in regard to the latter ;
but I do not anticipate any serious obstacle to the general introduc-
tion of the plan.

“ For some weeks past we have had a very sickly time, and many
deaths have occurred among persons of all classes. We hope, how-
ever, that a healthier season is approaching. Our Mission -family,

I am thankful to say, are enjoying a pretty good state of healths
May the Lord grant us a continuance of this great blessing L”

FROM BROTHER R. S. RAUCH.

“ Cedar -Hall, October 2 Sth, 1840.

“ Dear Brother, — Our new school-house, although not com-
pletely finished in all its parts, is so far ready, that we were enabled
to open it last Thursday w r ith praise and prayer, on which, occasion
the Brn. Harvey and Baum, from town, were present. On Sunday
last, we re-commenced onr Sunday-school, which had necessarily been
dropt for several months, for want of a suitable place, the church
being, of course, required for the meetings of the congregation. The
building, including a class-room of 18 feet by 19, and a gallery along
the west gable end, is 36 feet byL 50, a size which will accommodate
all the children that may come. The number now attending is 188,
and will most likely increase. The children are very happy ; and,,
for some days previous to the opening, they were busy, during their
lunch -time, at cleaning away the shavings, rubbish, &c. \ and the
moment any thing was said about their fine new school-house, their
little black faces brightened into a smile, and many into a broad grin.
At the idea of having a love-feast, on the occasion of the opening of
the house, they were delighted, and gladly brought their two dogs
(3d. currency), to defray the expense. This, together with a few
tickets sold to such of the parents as wished to be present, paid for the
love-feast, and left a small balance in hand.

“ Perhaps you are aware, from some other source, and if not, it
will be interesting to you to hear it, that the Cedar-Hall Friendly
Society voted £100 sterling toward the liquidation of the debt upon
the new school-house. I am pleased to be able to add, that the gift
was entirely voluntary, and not at the suggestion of any of the Breth-
ren. It was, moreover, an unanimous vote by the members, not a
single one of them dissenting.

“ Sr. Rauch has between thirty and forty girls in her sewing class.
In order to employ them all, we buy cheap calico : this Sr. Rauch,
in the first place, teaches the bigger girls to cut into dresses, and
then sets the whole class to work to make them up ; when finished,
they are sold at as cheap a rate as possible, to members of the congre-

FROM THE WEST INDIES.

3

Ration, and to the parents of the children. Though much has been
said, within the last few years, about fhe improvement of scholars at
other schools, and especially of those in Newfield school, I am very
happy to be able to say, without entering into any particulars, or
without any boasting in all, (for if there is any praise due, it does not
belong to us, who have been here only a few months, but to those who
have gone before us), that our scholars, both male and female, at
Cedar-Hall, are not a whit behind those of any other school^in the
island of Antigua.

“ One subject more, and I have done. You are aware that it is
the custom in all the schools in Antigua to make a small present to
the children on Christmas. It appears that the school at this place
has, for several years, had a very small supply of such gifts. I would,
therefore, beg you to interest yourself in our behalf, and let some of
the nice things presented for the use of the schools, by our friends in
England, take their course hitherward.”

FROM BROTHER JAMES HEATH.

“ St . John’s , September 9th, 1840.

u Dear Brother, — Our day and Sunday schools at this station,
are, I trust, making some progress. The average attendance of
children at the former, is 130 ; and at the Sunday schools, from 180
to 200. The teaching of such a number is, by no means, an easy
task, especially in the enervating climate of the West Indies. But
do not think that I am dissatisfied with the work allotted to me ; it is
one quite congenial to my feelings ; and I am persuaded, that the
blessing of the Lord will attend faithfulness in the performance of it.
I believe the majority of those, whose hearts the Lord opens under
the preaching of the Gospel, are persons in whom the seeds of the
kingdom were sown when in early life. I cannot say, that any of
the seed which has been scattered by my feeble labors, has hitherto
borne evident fruit ; but sometimes my mind is cheered by the an-
ticipation of such fruit. Not long since, I heard of one of my schol-
ars, when on a bed of sickness, crying out, 4 Father and mother, I
have often stolen sugar from that shelf, and have often been disobe-
dient ; but do forgive me V And to her brothers, she said, ‘ I have
often quarrelled and fought with you ; but pray forgive me V When
I inquired of her, whether she had asked our Saviour to forgive her ?
she answered, ‘Yes ; and I felt that I was his child.’ Such a cir-
cumstance I hail with pleasure, and humbly trust that fruit will fol-
low, well-pleasing to God, through Jesus Christ. For some time
past, our children have been in the habit every week of repeating
from memory certain portions of Scripture, or verses of hymns.
They are allowed to choose the texts, that the very idea of its being
a task may be removed from their minds, and they may be led to
view the Word of God, not as a book of punishment, but as a pleas-
ant and profitable companion, and the guide of youth. I have been
frequently delighted and edified with the portions they have repeated.
This morning, a boy repeated the verses 9, 10, 11, of Numbers xx.,

378

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

respecting Moses smiting the rock, and the waters gushing out.
Having repeated these verses, 'he referred of his own accord to hymn
955, in our collection — ‘ See from the rock the waters bursting, fyc.
Sfc : — thus shewing that he understood the comment of the Apostle
(1 Cor. x. 4) — 1 And that rock was Christ .’ In the Sunday school,
we have a number of young men and women, some of whom are
truly anxious to receive instruction. A few Sundays ago, a man
came to me, who had not been to the Sunday school before ; and
taking out a half torn copy of the ‘ Reading made Easy,’ begged me
to let one of the boys give him a lesson. I must not forget to tell
you, that our Missionary society, established among the children
last March, continues to prosper. I have received upwards of £6
currency from them, since its commencement.

“ We are much in want of a clock for our school. If any brother,
or sister, or Christian friend, would provide us with this school re-
quisite, it would be most thankfully received.

“ You will probably have heard, that emigration from our small
but populous island is going on to a considerable extent, as well as
in your larger one. Several thousands have already left these shores
for Demerara ; some, indeed have returned, because the climate did
not agree with them. I am not aware that any members of our
church have taken their departure as yet.”

4. BARBADOES.

FROM BROTHER JOHN ELLIS.

“ Bridgetown , August 21 st, 1840.

“Dear Brother, — You will be glad to learn, that we have a
fair prospect of raising a sufficient sum for the erection of a com-
fortable wooden building at Clifton Hill. It is the general opinion,
that a stone-built house in that situation is not so conducive to
health as a wooden one. This can easily be accounted for, as neither
the stone nor the mortar in use there are impervious to the heavy
rains, which abound in that elevated part of the island ; for elevated
it is, though this island is generally considered flat, to the height, I
should suppose, of about 9oO feet above the level of the sea. In
due time, we will inform you of the progress we make, both in the
collection and application of this fund.”

“ October 8th, 1840.

<k Our contributions towards the new dwelling-house at Clifton-
Hill now amount to near £400, out of which we have purchased the
principal part of the materials, and have also got them to the spot.
This sum has been chiefly raised by the people living in the vicinity.
We hope the members of the three other congregations will also
come forward, and assist in the undertaking ; so that, as soon as the
present rainy season is over, we may commence building. The
day-school at Clifton-Hill now numbers 140, and the church (or

FROM THE WEST INDIES.

379

chapel-school) is crowded on the Sundays. Our schools at the
other three places continue nearly stationary, as regards numbers,
with the exception of the one at Mount-Tabor, which has of late
rather decreased, owing to a disorder which at present prevails
among the children in that neighborhood. The beneficial effects,
produced by the instructions received in these schools, have already
become apparent in various ways : — fathers, who cannot write
themselves, employ their sons to keep their little records : grand-
parents and parents gladly listen to their children, who read the
New Testament and Bible to them ; and thus the language, and
the truths contained in God’s Word, become better known. And
we rejoice to find, that many have a relish for that Word ; because
we know, that it is able to make them wise unto salvation. Many
of the adults express themselves to this effect: — ‘No such good
thing in our day ; but we are thankful that we have lived to see the
time, when our children can learn to read. Thanks to our blessed
Saviour for His goodness to us ! ’

“ Our congregations at the other stations continue to increase
gradually, though not rapidly. Most of the members have also
manifested a willingness to contribute according to their ability
towards our Mission-funds ; so that we hope, from these and simi-
lar contributions in other Missions, the large debt heretofore in-
curred will, ere long, be diminished.

“ We have lately celebrated the memorial-day of the married
division of our flock, both in Bridgetown and at the other places.
We had seventy couples present — these, with one or two excep-
tions, have all entered into the married state, since they obtained
their freedom in the year 1834.’

5. TOBAGO.

FROM BROTHER J. MORRISH.

“ Montgomery , Dec. ls<, 1840.

“ Dear Brother, — You ask, what may, be the probable expense
of the work in which we are engaged at Indian Walk : — According
to the best estimate I can make, of expense attending the building
of the chapel-school, and stable, with two rooms for domestics, the
sum of £1000 (more or less) will be required ; £250 of which has
already been subscribed by Government and Miss Irvine ; and I
fully expect to raise £400 in the island from friends, and a grant
from the Legislature.

44 Meanwhile the two rooms under the vestry and the class-rooms,
will afford a residence for the missionary, who may have to take
charge of the congregation.

44 You will rejoice with us to learn, that the work of the Lord is
prospering at Montgomery. The services are so numerously at-
tended, that our new church is too small to accommodate all who
come to hear the Word of Life. Many are getting ragularly mar-
ried. Last Sunday the banns for ten couple were published at

389

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

Montgomery, and for one at Woodlands. On the same day, one
person was received at Woodlands as a member of our church. On
the Sunday previous, one was baptized at Indian Walk, and many
more are anxious to enjoy these Christian privileges in the neighbor-
hood. I doubt not, but a large number will be soon gathered into
the fold of Christ, when our station on this side is established.

FROM SISTER MORRISH.

“ Woodlands, Dec. 1st, 1840.

“ Dear Brother, — We have been kindly invited to take up our
residence here for the present, but Mr. K., Lord Douglas’s attorney,
who has shewn us much kindness. The change has proved very
beneficial both to myself and children, in restoring our drooping
health. This is a spacious mansion on the top of a hill, 900 feet
above the level of the sea, and commanding a most beautiful and
romantic view. The air is comparatively cool and healthy, and
only about a quarter of a mile from the site of our new church,
where Brother M. is busy with the carpenters. The negroes in this
direction have had fewer advantages, and are still more ignorant,
than those around Montgomery. I am frequently surprised and
distressed at the gross darkness which reigns here. The Brethren
now preach on two, sometimes three, estates in this neighborhood
every Sunday, and the Sunday on which there is no preaching here,
at Woodlands. I read Scripture to, and instruct, the women and
children. A good many females also come to me during the week,
when 1 endeavor to lead them to the Friend of sinners. We are
thus by degrees gaining the confidence of the people here, the
benefit of which is already evident in their increased interest in the
meetings. One man has been baptized, and one woman received
into the congregation, and several have come to us and expressed
their desire to join the church. With regard to the building, the
difficulties which my dear husband has to encounter are many and
painful, and I confess, we are sometimes ready to sink under them.
The extiavagant price of materials, — the scarcity, inefficiency, and
high rate of labor, — and the bad state of the roads, all conspire to
render this undertaking a most laborious one ; and did I not know
that the work is the Lord’s, and that He can protect his servants
under all circumstances, I should lose courage, when I reflect on
the fatigue and anxiety Brother M. has to undergo in this unhealthy
climate.

“ I continue to have clothes made in the school by the bigger
girls, and sold to the negroes, which is rather an advantage to the
mission. Of this work Sister Titterington takes a very faithful
charge. We live in much harmony and union with dear Brother
and Sister T., whose hearts appear to be in the work. Brother
Heath is more than ever devoted to the school, which is decidedly
and confessedly the best establishment of the kind in the island.

“ You will be glad to hear, that the desire after religious instruc-

FROM THS WEST INDIES.

381

tion continues on the increase, in the neighborhood of Montgomery.
On Sunday the 25th of October, such numbers assembled, that ser-
vice had to be held at the same time both in the church and the
school-house. On the same day 150 adult scholars were present,
and nearly as many children.”

6. DANISH ISLANDS.

FROM BROTHER J. C. BREUTEL.

“ New-Herrnhut , St. Thomas , Dec. 26^, 1840.

“ Dear Brother, — My letter from Ryde will have informed
you of the perils and discomforts of our voyage, up to the time
of our taking shelter in that roadstead. It is with a thankful
heart, that I now take up my pen, to announce the safe arrival of
our whole party at St. Thomas, on the 18th inst., after a most
agreeable passage of about four weeks from the Isle of Wight.
You will join us in praising the name of our gracious Lord for
His almighty protection, and for His manifold mercies, vouch-
safed to us, while traversing the mighty deep.

“ Great was our joy on finding ourselves once again in the
midst of our Brethren ; but it was soon damped, when we re-
ceived from them the intelligence of the severe trials, wherewith
their faith has been lately exercised. Within the last few weeks,
it has pleased our Saviour to call home to himself our dear Sis-
ters Koster and Wied, by means of the prevailing fever ; and at
the present time, Br. Wied is lying seriously ill of the same dis-
order. Two children of the Brn. Wied and Koster, have also
departed this life; so that there has been enough to cause mourn-
ing and anxiety, within the borders of our Mission-family in these
islands.

“ We have been received with the greatest affection and cor-
diality by all our dear fellow-servants in St. Thomas, and are
employing the last days of the year in visiting them in their sev-
eral places of abode, and making ourselves acquainted with their
several spheres of labor. On Tuesday next, we intend proceed-
ing with Br. and Sr. Hauser, to St. Jan, for the same purpose ;
and, on our return, shall be better prepared to enter into the
matters of detail connected with my commission.

“ The English language appears to be understood by the bulk
of the negro population of this island ; and the establishment of
schools, in which this language may be taught, is, therefore, an
object of the highest moment. May the Lord send us the labor-
ers and the means, necessary for its attainment! When I reach
St, Croix, I shall hope for an early interview with the Governor-
General ; and this will be one of the most interesting and impor-
tant subjects I shall have to discuss with his Excellency, with
whose anxiety to promote the work of negro instruction you are
already acquainted. Remember us in your prayers.

382

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS.

“ December 28th. — lam thankful to add, that Br. Wied ap-
pears to be convalescent, though very slowly.”

FROM BROTHER J. GARDIN.

“ Friedensthal , St. Croix , Dec. 8th, 1840.

“Dear Brother, — Having been requested to assist our
Brethren in the Danish Islands in the arrangements of the new
schools, I set out for St. Croix on October 15th ; and, after a
tolerably good passage, arrived here October 22nd, (my birth-
day) much encouraged by the daily word — am the Lord , thy
God, which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the
way that thou shouldest go.' Isa. xlviii. 17. On my arrival
here, at Friedensthal, I was much disappointed to learn, that no-
thing had yet been done for the fitting up of the school-rooms,
and that the whole business was to rest till after Christmas, the
Governor being much engaged in another good work; viz. the
abolition of the Sunday market, which, besides the desecration
of the Sabbath, is so great an hindrance to the church-services
on this day. As I was very desirous not to lose time, w r e made
an application to his Excellency, for an order that the work
might be taken in hand immediately; and our wishes having
been very readily acceded to, we are now building galleries, &c.,
according to a plan which I laid before the School-Commission,
and which was immediately adopted.

“ The eight school-houses which the Government has erected
here in St. Croix are very excellent and substantial buildings,
60 feet by 33 inside, the walls 14 feet high. It is the wish of
the Governor, that church-service and a Sunday school should be
held every Lord’s day, in some of them, if not in all. As there
are at present, no qualified teachers to be found among the co-
lored population, we are greatly in want of suitable persons for
this important service ; and have been compelled to commence,
by giving instruction only three times a week in each school, one
teacher having to attend two schools.

“ You are aware, that the English language is now to be gene-
rally introduced into this island ; and I must do our younger
brethren here the justice to say, that they are engaged with great
zeal in the acquisition of it. Some of them speak English pretty
well already, and are even able to preach in it ; but they feel very
severely the want of English books, such as Concordances, Com.-
mentaries, Pronouncing Dictionaries, &c. &c. Our Brethren
are not able to buy these books, as they receive no salary; I
would therefore beg you, in their name, to call upon our friends
in England to supply this great want. It is, indeed, high time to
introduce the English language in all our church-services, and
therefore a supply of such books as I have named, is absolutely
requisite, and they would be most thankfully received. I know,
dear Brother, you will take this subject to heart, and plead for it
with others.

FROM THE WEST INDIES.

383

“ If nothing particular happens, I propose staying here till the
end of February; for we hope to open the first school before
Christmas. When, with the assistance of Brn. and Srs. Romer
and Gruhl, I have brought this school into proper order, accord-
ing to the system we have adopted in Antigua, I shall think I have
fulfilled my commission ; and after a short visit in St. Jan, I shall
feel very happy to set my foot once again in Antigua, that highly
favored island.

“Before I conclude, I would beg you to obtain for my dear
children in Graceful], a good supply of books. There are about
sixty in the school, who can read well, and very fond of reading,
but who have no books. Pray do not forget my children. I am
sure you will not, if you feel half the lotfe for them that I do.”

[From the “Periodical Accounts,” &c.]

V. SURINAM.

EXTRACT OF LETTERS FROM BROTHER WM. TREU, TO THE MIS-
SION-BOARD.

“ Paramaribo, Feb. 17th , 1840.

“ On the 11th inst., it pleased the Lord to release our Br. Wolter
from his long period of suffering, and call him home to his eternal
rest, at the age of 30 years and 10 months. At Christmas, there
appeared such an improvement in his health, that he firmly believed,
that he would yet recover, and, according to his desire, proclaim the
gospel to the Bush Negroes. Returning on the 1st inst. from a stay
of some weeks in the plantations, he felt so much stronger, that both
himself and the medical men thought it probable, that a longer jour-
ney mighty by God’s blessing, re-establish his health. On the 7th,
however, he was suddenly seized with spasms, and thought that his
departure was at hand. His eyes sparkled with joy, and he ex-
claimed repeatedly, “ My Saviour is coming ! He comes, yes, he
comes !” But he had yet much to suffer for some days, from spasms
and difficulty of breathing. An hour before his happy dissolution,
he once more poured out his heart before the Lord. “ My Saviour !
Thou has created me, and redeemed me by Thy blood. Thou hast
drawn me to Thyself from infancy, and kept me to the present day.
Leave me not now, at my last hour ! No, Thou wilt not, for Thou
hast promised it. True, I can bring Thee nothing good ; I am very
sinful ; but Thou hast borne my sins ; I wrap myself in Thy merits
and Thy righteousness. This is enough ; now, Lord ! receive my
spirit. Amen !” These were the last words he uttered with apparent
consciousness. The blessing of the Lord was soon after imparted to
him, and while a valedictory verse was singing, his spirit took its
flight. Next day, we accompanied his remains to their resting-place,
close to those of our late Br. Voigt, after a discourse on Phil, i. 21 —
23, the text which he himself had chosen for the purpose.

Vol, VII.— 24

384

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

“Br. Jacobs reports of his journey to the Upper Nickerie, that he
not only met with an uniformly friendly reception from the planters*
but found the negroes extremely desirous of Christian instruction.
On most plantations, he had the opportunity of holding two meetings
with the negroes ; and when this was not the case, they had time given
them, to attend Divine service on a neighboring estate.

“ While Br. Lund from Charlottenburg supplied Br. Jacobs’s place
here, I spent three weeks in visiting the plantations of his district ;
and I can truly say, that I met with much that was encouraging. On
the plantations L’Embarras en Venlo , on the Commewyne, and Pon-
thieu, on the Warappa Creek, the gospel was, on this occasion, preach-
ed to the negroes for the first time ; and I had the pleasure to see,
that the word was received with joy in both places. These two
estates are under Mr. Karseboom’s agency. At Bentshoop , I had
above 300 hearers, the negroes attending from Herstel/ing, which
belongs to the same property. At Clifford Koegshoven, on the oppo-
site bank, I called on the manager, and found him wishful for the in-
troduction of Christianity upon the plantation, which he also stated
to be the case with the negroes themselves. He promised to see the
agent on the subject, when he next came to town ; and, a few days
ago, he informed us, that he had obtained his consent. Thus the
Lord opens one door after another. What a noble parish might be
formed in this district ! The negroes from all the plantations on
both sides of the Creek, might easily come to church in some central
situation, such as Klein- Lunenburg, which the Society offered to buy
for us, before the purchase of Charlottenburg. At Meerzorg , I found
the children uncommonly eager for learning, like those at Berg-en-
Dal. They could still repeat the hymns which Br. Bauch had taught
them on a former visit, and were exceedingly open and friendly. One
of them is to come to Charlottenburg to school, that he may after-
wards teach the rest.

“ At- the request of Mr. Karseboom, I concluded my circuit
with the consecration of the new church at Zorg-en-Hoop, on
the Lower Commewyne. Br. Wunche and some national help-
ers having arrived from the town, I held a preparatory meeting
in the evening in the Blanken-house, which had been hitherto
used for Divine service. On the Sunday morning, we went in
solemn procession from the Blanken-house to the church, which
had been tastefully decorated by Mr. Karseboom with festoons,
and an appropriate inscription. Besides himself, several mana-
gers and other friends from the neighborhood took a share in the
solemnity. A number of baptized negroes from the adjacent
estates, La Singularity and Picardie, joined their fellow negroes
here ; and, altogether, there were upwards of 300 persons pre-
sent. I held the consecration sermon from Luke xix. 48 : “ My
house is the house of prayer.” In the evening, five adults were
baptized into the death of Jesus ; and the solemnities were con-
cluded by a fervent prayer, that the word of Christ’s sufferings
and death might manifest its Divine power in this hallowed place,
on the hearts of all who should assemble within its walls f

FROM THE WEST INDIES.

385

4 ‘ We trust, that this month will still witness the consecration
of the new church at Gingeh, in the country of the Bush Negroes,
who, in their ardent desire to have the gospel amongst them,
have begun and finished the work themselves. May the Lord
kindle a fire there, to enlighten the multitudes who are yet sitting
in darkness and in the shadow of death!”

“ Paramaribo , March 29th , 1840.

“Br. Schmidt set out, Feb. 14th, on his journey to the Bush
Negro territory, and is now returned to Worsteling Jacobs, but
not, alas ! in good health. After visiting some twenty villages
of the free Bush Negroes above Gingeh, (or as the Negroes pro-
nounce it Yenyen,) in which he met occasionally with souls thirst-
ing for salvation, but found the greater part sunk in idolatry, on
Sunday, March 1st, he dedicated the new church at Gingeh.
But on the very same day he felt unwell, and the next day had to
take to his bed. Br. and Sr. Wunsche, the Brn. Bleichen and War-
mann, and Sr. Schmidt, happened to be at Berg-en-Dal when Br.
Schmidt arrived there. He remained there a week under the
care of Mr. Kemper, when he felt sufficiently recovered, to pro-
ceed to Worsteling Jacobs. Since then, Br. Bleichen informs
me, that his health has on the whole, improved, though the fever
still returns at intervals.

“ It is, certainly, somewhat disheartening, that this third visit
to the Bush Negroes should, like the two preceding, terminate in
a fever. Yet we trust that the Lord does not intend to put a
stop to the work, but only to exercise our faith and patience, and
that of the Bush Negroes, and to try our love, whether we really
count not our lives too dear, to venture them in His service.
Surely these souls, so long bereaved of God’s word, will not be
suffered to cry for help in vain ! Would our gracious Saviour
awaken a hunger and thirst after Him, without intending to satisfy
it? No ! He will provide and accomplish all His purpose in His
own good time, though, perhaps, in a different manner from what
we had anticipated.”

FROM BROTHER RASMUS SCHMIDT.

“ Berg-en-Dal , March 14 th, 1840.

44 Though with a feeble hand, I must write at least a few
lines.

“ Feb. 12 th had been fixed on for my departure, and six strong
negroes arrived in the evening of that day to fetch me. I was
rather uneasy on not seeing Frank amongst the number, but the
text 4 Fear thou not, for I am with thee ; I will uphold thee with
the right hand of my righteousness,’ brought com rt to my
mind.

“Before setting out in the morning, the Negroes requested us
to sing some verses with them, which I took as a proof that I
might safely trust myself to them. My wife accompanied me in

386

MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

our own boat to this place, whence I proceeded on the 14th in a
Coryar 35 feet long by 31 broad, with a canopy just high enough
to sit under. Mr. Kemper, the manager of Berg-en-Dal, had un-
known to me, supplied a light mattress. Thus I prosecuted my
journey, in cheerful dependence on the Lord, who has honored
me, his meanest servant, to serve Him in my weakness, and, not-
withstanding my weakness, owns me as His. I feel that He is
with me.”

Sr. Schmidt continues : —

“ My dear husband is obliged through extreme weakness to
give me the pen. ‘ By my illness,’ he observes, * the Lord seems
to say : send no more visiters, but let some one go to settle in
the country. Thomas, the national helper, declared that my ill-
ness made the same impression on his mind, and that the time
was come, for the poor destitute Bush Negroes to have a resident
teacher amongst them. Indeed, this was my full conviction, the
moment I came amongst them, and heard their declarations, all ex-
pressive of their longing desire for a teacher. The way is already
prepared by the Lord, for the little flock, who meet together
daily, have separated themselves from their heathen countrymen,
and live by themselves in a village on the side of the Dregebroe-
ders mountain, the other villages being situated at the foot of the
hill. The church faces you as you mount the hill, terminating
the next little street of negro houses.

“‘After holding an evening meeting on Feb. 14th at Victoria,
I arrived next day at Frank’s residence, where I spent the Sun-
day, and was engaged without intermission from 6 o’clock till
4 p. m. in holding meetings, in conversing with the adults, and
giving Sunday school instruction to the young. Blessed were
the hours thus spent, surrounded as I was by souls thirsting for
sacred truth, and every hardship was gladly forgotten in these
employments. In the evening we met again for singing and
prayer.

“‘Next day, Frank accompanied us up the river. The first
sight of the rapids, and the huge rocks which formed them, forci-
bly impressed me with the Almighty power of God. On the
20th, a twelve hour’s navigation landed us at 4 p. m. at Gingeh.
Notice having been given of our arrival, the bank was crowded
with people, who testified their joy on seeing me, by shouting
and clapping their hands. On coming near them, I bade our
people strike up the verse : “ Now let us praise the Lord, &c.,”
on which all was presently still. When I went on shore, the
children began singing “ Jesus, behold we come to Thee,” and,
altogether, it was an inspiring scene. The postmaster invited
me to his house, and placed some refreshment before me, but the
concourse was so great, that he was presently obliged to lock the
door. I then went to the apartments intended for a missionary
residence, under the same roof with the church. The plan of
the latter is copied from that of our church at Paramaribo ; it
has an opening to the sky in the middle, of 10 feet by 5, sur-

FROM THE WEST INDIES.

387

rounded by a gallery and palisades. The whole edifice measures
27 feet by 20, and has been erected with no other instruments
but the axe and hatchet. I hold the meetings for the present in
the old house.

“ ‘ On the 22nd, having recovered from the fatigue of my past
journey, I visited 20 villages above Gingeh, and found the spiritual
darkness increase the farther I went. On my return, the people again
flocked to me, and occupied me from morning to night, the only in-
terval of rest being while l was at dinner with the postmaster.

March 1st was the day fixed for consecrating the church, which
the negroes had decorated for the occasion, with the splendid flowers
wherewith the Creator’s hand has strewed so profusely the woods
around. The exhalation from the moist foliage and numerous flowers
made my head ache ; but on seeing the multitude assembled for the
festivity, I begged the Lord to grant us this day as a day of blessing;
and He heard me, and gave me new strength for each succeeding
meeting. There were about 300 persons present, so that the church
and its avenues were completely occupied, yet the utmost stillness
and good order prevailed. Some beat upon their breasts and exclaimed :
“ Oh ! what things we hear to day.” My heart was full, and the
Lord Himself seemed to put words into my mouth.

“ ‘At noon the next day I was obliged to go to bed. It was plain,
when evening approached, that I could not keep the meeting, and yet
the people were assembling. The helper, Frederic, came up, and
kneeling down by my hammock in great trouble, offered up an af-
fecting prayer. He pleaded, “ that if I did not recover, their condi-
tion would be almost hopeless, and nobody would be sent to them any
more. The Lord knew how necessary it was for them to have a
teacher amongst them, if any good was to be done. He would not
surely cast them off, but graciously hear their petition.” When he
had risen up from prayer, Job, the other helper, began to pray in the
church below my apartment, and again laid the matter with great
earnestness before the Lord. I was deeply affected, and joined my
tears and sighs with theirs. Doubtless, the Lord will not put them
to shame ! He helped me so far, that I could address them once more,
March 5th, at a farewell meeting ; but I felt that I must hasten away,
and early next morning I embarked in the Coryar, weak and fever-
ish, doing violence to my feelings in this hurried departure.

“ ‘ On Saturday evening, 1 reached Berg-en-Dal quite exhausted.
Had I stayed two days longer at Gingeh, the high water would have
rendered it impossible for me to leave for some time.

“ ‘ My prayer, in conclusion is, that our gracious Saviour, who
hears the sighing of these poor souls, and whose own cause it is,
would shew us that His hour is come for doing His marvels amongst
them. I am still very weak ; but if He see good to permit me to
live amongst them, I am ready with all my heart, and so is my dear
wife. We should esteem it a great favor to serve Him there for the
remainder of our days.’

“ We commend ourselves to the affectionate remembrance of all
our friends.”

388 MISSIONARY ACCOUNTS

VI. Extracts from the journals of the scripture readers of the

UNITED BRETHREN’S CHURCH IN IRELAND.

From the Journal of the Reader, in , 1840.

‘ I called to see a sick man, who seemed going into eternity blind-
fold. When I spoke to him concerning the state of his soul, he told
me he was willing to depart. Fearing that he was deceiving himself,
I put a few plain questions to him. Ques. Do you think your sins are
pardoned? Ans. I don’t know. Ques . On what ground then do
you expect to enter heaven? Ans. I cannot tell. Ques. Do you
know in what state you were born as relates to your soul ? Ans. I
don’t mind. Ques. And do you expect to enter heaven in your
ignorant and sinful state ? I must tell you, you were born in sin, and
therefore altogether unfit for heaven. I read and explained to him
j art of the third chapter of the Epistle to the Romans, our Saviour’s
discourse with Nicodemus on the new birth, and the parable of the
barren fig-tree. These passages seemed to awaken him a little, for
he manifested some anxiety about pardoning mercy. ’

‘ Called in a house inhabited by Roman Catholics. After some
conversation, the mistress said, “I am a great sinner.” I asked,
“Are you willing to part with sin for the time to come ? ” And
quoted 1 Cor. vi. 9-11. On this, a stranger, who happened to be in
the house, said ; “ We shall get our sins pardoned when we die, and
you need not read with us, for it is of no use.” Addressing the
inmates of the house, she continued; “Sure, you know that you
should not let him stop with you, nor hear his words.” To this, a
young woman replied; “ He has spoken nothing but the truth, and
why should I stop my ears to the truth. You are an ignorant woman,
begone out of the house, and talk no more in this manner.” I now
endeavored to draw their attention to the declarations of Scripture.
Finding them to be living in sin, and not unfrequently indulging in
oaths, I read several portions of Scripture, showing the danger of
living in sin, and observed, “from these passages you see what are
the real effects of sin, and that you can never enter heaven unless you
leave off your sins.” They appeared to be much struck, and only
replied; “ That is the Word of God.” ’

4 Whilst reading in one of the houses, where I visited to-day, I
asked a neighbor who had come in, what she understood by justifica-
tion by faith. She answered, “ My faith is that of the Church of
England, and I will die in that faith.” I replied; “I do not want
you to leave the Church of England, I am willing to speak with you
concerning the faith, without which it is impossible to please God,
which worketh by love, and purifies the heart.” She said; “I am
not learned enough to discourse with you.” I replied ; “ The best of
all learning is that, which is given by the Holy Spirit, and He is
freely offered unto all. who sincerely ask for His help, as you will
find in Luke xi. 13. If you have not this help it is because you do
not ask for it, or you ask amiss.” She then said, “ I cannot read,
and therefore I cannot turn to ihe Scriptures myself.” I now
enlarged on the sufferings of Christ, showing the reason of His
sufferings, and the blessed results of them for sinners, urging her to
seek for herself an interest in his sufferings and death. At parting,
she caught hold ot my hand and said ; Oh ! if I could read and under-

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

389

stand the blessed Word of God as you do, it would be a treasure far
before gold.” ’

VII. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

West Indies. 1. Danish Islands . — On the 29th of December,
1840, the Brethren Breutel and Hauser went from St. Thomas to St.
John, where they remained till 28th of January, visited our two
stations Emaus and Bethany, and took minute cognizance of all the
affairs of the mission. On the 1st of February, they sailed on board
a government schooner to St. Croix, for the same purpose. A spe-
cial object of their attention was the schools about to be opened by
direction of government, in the arrangement of which the Brethren
Gardin and Joseph Roemer, who were called for the purpose on a
visit to Antigua, and who had had experience in this branch on the
English Islands, were actively engaged. The first of these schools
was opened on the plantation Princess, with about 150 children.
Our Brethren met with a very friendly reception from the Governor-
General Von Scholten, and from the authorities on the three islands,
and enjoyed their protection and assistance. Brother and Sister
Schmidt found themselves under the necessity of going to Europe for
their health, and arrived on the 10th of April, after a safe and expe-
ditious voyage of only 33 days at Bremen.

2. Antigua . — On the 2d of April at 11 o’clock in the evening, a
fire broke out in St. John’s, not far from the premises of the Brethren,
Spring-garden, which totally consumed two squares of the town, and
was not entirely extinguished before the third day. At first, writes
Brother Hartvig, we were also in danger, but the Lord gave such a
direction to the fire by means of a steady south-easterly wind, that
the rest of the town as well as ourselves, were preserved. Two or
three only of our people were sufferers by the conflagration. For
this preservation we offered our thanksgiving to the Lord next eve-
ning at the Lord’s Supper. To ourselves and several others who
have our text book, the Daily Word for April 3d, was remarkable:
“ When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee ; and
through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee : when thou walkest
through the fire thou shalt not be burnt ; neither shall the flames
kindle upon thee.” Is. xliii. 2.

Brother Frederic Reichel, laborer of the single Brethren in Zeist,
has been called to the service of the mission in Antigua. Brother
David Nedwil, who is destined for the same place, was ordained
June 2d, a Deacon of the United Brethren’s Church, by the Bishop
Brother John Beck Holmes, and on the following day was united
in marriage with the single Sister Martha Armistead.

On the 5th, they set sail from London for Antigua. Brother and
Sister Kieldsen and Sister Mary Baker had set sail for the same
place and service on the 27th of May.

3. Surinam . — On December 20th, 1840, Br. and Sister Rasmus
Schmidt commenced their journey from Worsteling-Jacobs to Gingee
or Barnbay, where they arrived on the 26th. The journey was very
arduous. They were obliged to sleep six nights in the woods under

390

MISCELLANEOUS.

a slight roof of leaves, which only afforded them some shelter from
above, and as it rained every day, their hammocks, covering and
pillows at last became thoroughly wet. Nevertheless through the
preservation of the Lord their health did not. suffer. In Gingee
they were joyfully received by the negroes, clad in their best clothes.
Their dwelling being not yet completed, they were obliged for the
first weeks to lodge on the floor of the church : it was not till Janu-
ary 10th, that they were enabled to move into it. It is a slight
building, the walls platted and the roof of palm leaves; yet they felt
happy in this little peaceful abode. In the first meetings soon after
their arrival, near 100 souls were present, and the presence and the
peace of Jesus were sensibly felt. On New Year’s day the little
church could scarcely contain the multitude of hearers. According
to letters of February 1st, Brother and Sister Schmidt were still well.
The widowed Sister Yoight has gone for a time from Paramaribo to
Berg-en-Dal, where she had 60 children assembled around her daily
for school ; and she also faithfully visits the sick.

4. North American Indians. — Br. Christian Miksch writes from
Westfield, Missouri, under date of July 5th, that up to that time they
had remained undisturbed by the persons formerly spoken of. The
day of fasting and prayer recommended by President Tyler, in con-
sequence of the death of his predecessor, was observed by the Indian
congregation with much devoutness — such a solemnity being a
novelty to them. The weather had been hot and dry, yet they had
had some heavy thunder gusts, in one instance accompanied with hail
of unusual size.

Brother Henry Bachman, in New Fairfield, U. C., gives informa-
tion under date of July 26th, of an attempt made by him about the
end of June, in company with an Indian Brother as interpreter, to
look up the Puttewatemi Indians, located since last autumn on the
boundaries of their land between the Thames River and Lake Erie.
Although a part of them had left, he fell in with several companies
of them, preached the Gospel to them, and invited them, if they felt
disposed to become believers, to come to their countrymen at New-
Fairfield and settle on their land. Some gave ear to him, some did
not ; and Brother Bachman observes, that he had in this instance also
found that the simple narrative of our redemption through Jesus
Christ, is that which most quickly excites the attention of the savages,
and seems to make the most impression upon them ; and concludes
with the wish, that a mission may once be established among this
savage people.

Brother Van Vleck writes from Salem, N. C., that they continue
to receive information, for the most part favorable, from our Cherokee
Mission. Fort Wayne, not far from Beattie’s Prairie, was to be
abandoned, and the prospect was that their station and two schools at
that place would continue undisturbed. The two Brethren Gilbert
Bishop and David Schmidt, who have been called to this Mission,
were soon to set out, and to aid in the formation of a second station.

On the 23d of August, the Society of the Brethren for the Propa-
gation of the Gospel among the Heathen, held its anniversary at
Bethlehem.